Beyond the Vain: 4 Types of Narcissism
While some may confuse narcissism with vanity, it is actually much more complex than that. When thinking of narcissism, we often have the mental image of someone who is boastful, arrogant, and self-centered. However, that is only a few of the symptoms that they display. Think of it as a spectrum. On the far end, we have a healthy dose of self-esteem that manifests as confidence and self-assurance while we have narcissistic personality disorder on the other end. Narcissistic tendencies and behavior vary in degrees.
The two most common or general types of narcissism are the Cerebral and the Somatic.
Cerebral Narcissist, as it implies is a type of narcissistic individual who thinks they know everything. While they are indeed smarter than the average folk in various topics, they see their knowledge as something that makes them superior to everyone else. They love to tell stories that paint out and exemplify their brilliance, whether true or made up. Cerebral narcissists are quick to judge and point out the flaws of other people, specifically those people whom they consider inferior to them. They are not above creating a show if needed in an attempt to make themselves look better. They feed off of the praise and admiration they receive for their superior intellect, confidence, and leadership.
Somatic Narcissist, on the other hand, are narcissistic individuals who are completely enamored by their own beauty and aesthetics. These individuals are physically beautiful and will do anything to maintain that. Somatic Narcissist can be often seen in the gym perfecting their physical aesthetics or working on their appearance in the form of high-end designer clothes. Somatic Narcissists are extremely image conscious, feeding off the reaction of everyone around them or their sexual prowess.
Depending on their childhood and how they grow up, the dominant trait between cerebral and somatic will often determine what type of narcissistic personality they will have as adults. And while there are more subtypes of a narcissist, those presented here are the most common.
Here are 4 types of narcissism:
1. Overt Narcissism
The first type of narcissism is the most common. Overt Narcissist is loud, they are always right and they always need to be in control. Their mere presence is obnoxious and oppressive. This person will voice their opinion regardless of whether it's solicited or not because they believe that they know more and people should listen to them. They will not hide their expectations that everything must be done their way. They have large egos and grandiose minds and they are not afraid to show it.
These types are bullies who build themselves up by tearing everyone done. They feel no remorse for their brutal verbal and physical assertions. Their main weapons are mocking and belittling, they will resort to threatening if they need something. Their most dangerous tactic is the way they string words that would cause their victims to doubt their value as human beings.
2. Covert Narcissism
A Covert Narcissist is a type of narcissist who will put on an image of kindness, integrity, and altruism, when in fact, they are anything but. They are extremely manipulative and cruel, but only to the people, they are in close proximity. These types of narcissists often hold a position of authority such as a religious leader, counselor, teacher, politician, or anyone that holds some type of power. They are parasitic and will resort to pretending to get whatever they want whether it be power, money, success, or fame.
3. Seductive Narcissism
This type of narcissism isn't just limited to a sexual relationship. Seductive Narcissism is individuals who manipulate their victim into feeling good about themselves. They shower their victims with admiration that will look like they idolize them. Underneath that motive, however, is that they want their victims to do the same. In most cases, a seductive narcissist will have more than one victim at the same time. A tactic most common to them is the hot and cold method wherein they shower their victims with affection and praises for a short while and then withdraw, only to do it again. This reinforces the toxic attachment of the emotional investment.
4. Vindictive Narcissism
The most dangerous out of all four is the Vindictive Narcissist. They share the same characteristics as the Overt Narcissist. However, the main difference is that Vindictive Narcissist will go out of their way to destroy their victims. These are the type of narcissist who creates conflict through trash-talking to family and friends. They are not above slandering to damage a professional reputation. In short, they will try to get everyone against their victims.
Take note: There is a line between having narcissistic traits and having a full-blown narcissistic personality disorder. Though you may possess certain traits of narcissistic behavior, unless diagnosed by a mental health professional, you are not a narcissist.
Sources:
5 Types of Extreme Narcissists (and How to Deal With Them) retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/shame/201509/5-types-extreme-narcissists-and-how-deal-them
The Different Faces of Narcissism: Types and Sub-Types retrieved from https://esteemology.com/the-different-faces-of-narcissism-types-and-sub-types/
The Truth About Narcissism retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/narcissism
10 Signs You Might Be a Narcissist retrieved from https://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20981393,00.html
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Great post @Jenna, I learned a lot! Thanks for taking the time to put this together. ♥
@Rebecca
You're welcome, and thanks for your support. I'm happy it was informative for you. It taught me a lot that I didn't know as well!
This explains it very well! Thank you! I have to deal with a vindictive narcissist..my ex husband is 100% this….
@limegreenStrings5305
Thanks, Strings. Sorry that you dealt with this from your ex-husband. What helped you get through the challenges that come with a narcissistic partner?
@Jenna Thanks for the information. Is it an illness or is it a choice they act that way?
Because they are aware of what they are doing to others , including the manipulation.
Can a narcissist be a combination of those types, seductive and covert narcissist in one narcissist?
@lightPrune1000
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition. It's not a personal choice of behavior. Trauma, rejection, neglect, and lack of support during childhood can all contribute to developing narcissistic traits. Therapy can help someone with narcissistic personality disorder learn to manage behavior, self-esteem, and expectations of others. However, there is a responsibility on their part in how they treat other people. It's important to remember that there is a difference between a narcissist and narcissistic personality disorder.
@Jenna thanks for your answers.
How do we know whether it's a narcissist or npd.? What are the red flags of each? and how to stop supplying or feed their narcissistic behavior? because it will make the condition worse, encouraged their narcissistic behavior, and they will not change their behavior or feel entitled to do anything.
@Jenna
What is the difference between narcissist and narcissistic disorder?
@lightPrune1000
Narcissism is a personality trait that only becomes evident occasionally. Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition with persistent symptoms that significantly impact the quality of life. The symptoms of NPD are more severe as well.
Narcissism is a personality trait.
NPD is a mental health condition.
This post explains the two differences well. The Narcissist Versus The Narcissistic Personality Disorder (mentalhelp.net)
@Jenna
Narcissist once ruined an occasion I had. They deliberately tried to get reactions.
Found this article below, it is spot on, how a narcissist act like psychopath.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/recovering-narcissist/2019/10/5-terrifying-ways-narcissists-and-psychopaths-manufacture-chaos-provoke-and-manipulate-you#4
@TrueSky
I'm sorry you had to encounter that. Thank you for sharing the link as well.
@Jenna
They ruined it deliberately by crashing into it, cunningly waited and tried to get reactions. Ruined the occasion.
The narcissist also use people by pretending to do something nice but the motivation is to get attention to themselves.
@TrueSky
It sounds like you're describing situations where individuals intentionally disrupt or sabotage events for their satisfaction, or where narcissistic behavior involves using seemingly altruistic actions to draw attention to themselves. Such behaviors can indeed be frustrating and disruptive to those involved. When dealing with narcissistic individuals who use seemingly benevolent actions as a means to draw attention to themselves, it's important to set boundaries and manage expectations. Recognizing these patterns can help you navigate interactions more effectively and protect yourself from potential manipulation.
@Jenna
Question if you don't mind.
1. Why do people afraid of the narcissist?
2. Why keep feeding a narcissist instead stopping to feed their self grandiose?
3. How to stop a narcissist to feel entitled to do whatever they want?
I got this picture from internet, it really describes the harmful effect of a narcissist that I experienced.
@TrueSky
- They can fear them for many reasons. They're unpredictable, have exploitative behavior, always try to control you and situations, have no empathy, have difficulty handling criticism and emotions, and have manipulative behavior.
- Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging, and the decision to continue or stop feeding their self-grandiosity depends on various factors, including the nature of the relationship, personal boundaries, and the well-being of those involved. Many things can factor in like dependency, trying to avoid conflict and maintain peace, a hope for change, or they're so manipulated they don't see what is going on.
- There isn't a way to stop them from feeling that way.
Thanks for enlightening topic that people rarely know
Narcissists rarely see who others are. They see you primarily in terms of what you can do for them.
Narcissists are unlikely to change. You dont have to play their game.
From this
https://psychcentral.com/blog/narcissism-decoded/2017/08/8-ways-narcissists-con-you#7
@Jenna
Questions if ok,
1. How to not entertain a narcissist and how to stop a narcissist ruining things?
2. How to set boundaries with a narcissist & deal with their manipulation?
@CoolMeCool
1. Set boundaries, avoid reacting to provocation, limit personal information sharing, don't feed into their ego, stay rational, maintain independence, learn to say no, and learn their motivations.
2. Start with building your support system. Surround yourself with people you can trust like your friends and family. Inform them about what your relationship is like with that person. Help give them info on manipulation and narcissism. They may try to engage in endless debates. Refrain from justifying, arguing, defending, or explaining your boundaries excessively. State your limits and disengage if necessary. Communicate your boundaries in a direct and specific manner. Avoid vague statements and clearly state what behaviors are not acceptable. Clearly outline consequences for crossing boundaries. Be prepared to follow through with these consequences. Be cautious about sharing personal information. They may use personal details against you. If the manipulation overwhelms you, consider limiting or cutting off contact with them. Educate yourself.
@Jenna
Thank you for the information. I have tried to do all those things, but the narcissist try to pretend to be nice. They often steal someone's spotlight for example, when someone wrote a great writing, then they pretend to be but they actually want to take advantage of it, by drawing attention to themselves to get praises or supplies.
It is kinda frustrating and causing anxiety when others seem to not aware of it (or maybe they are aware of it?) Or seem to not setting boundaries with the narcissist or keep feeding them. The narcissist divide people
In a platform like this, what to do when you have to deal with a narcissist trying to provoke and stealing someone's spotlight (like the example above) and make it all about them?
@CoolMeCool
Typo missing word, 'they pretend to be nice'
Wowie this was really helpful actually thank you so much for this thread
An excellent layout of the types of people who should be removed from the human gene pool...their existence is a bane of & a threat to the rest of us. Much approved. 👏🏻
@slowdecline48
Well said, and I completely agree that this world , including virtual world is better off without them. The narcissist is a liability that can manipulate, intentionally trigger us at anytime. They ruined things intentionally and they got satisfaction from it.
@slowdecline48
a narcissist is similar to a psychopath. They got satisfaction from seeing others suffering. They should be blocked from any kind of access to disturb others.
@CoolMeCool I agree but--& this is a controversial stance--to be honest, I don't think that is sufficient for the safety of innocent people.
Narcissists/sociopaths remain dangerous as long as they're upright & breathing. That's the issue in a nutshell. Even if you catch them all & keep them behind high walls, they will be kept alive at public expense (which I consider an unethical use of taxpayer money) & sooner or later, a few of them will try to con their way out of captivity.
@Jenna
I got a question, why do people try to please a narcissist at the cost of others? 😔
@CoolMeCool
Hey, that's a really good question. I think a lot of people end up trying to please them because narcissists can be good at manipulating others. They often make you feel like their approval is super important, and that if you just do what they want, things will be easier or better. It’s like they create this illusion where you feel like you have to keep them happy to maintain peace or avoid conflict. Sometimes, people might also have low self-esteem or feel insecure, so they seek validation from the narcissist, thinking that if they can please them, they’ll feel better about themselves.
@Jenna
Jenna thank you for your reply.
At some point we might los.e the good people because of the narcissist. The narcissist really should disa.ppear.
They are sicko, they enjoy seeing others suff.ering in a place where we seek me.ntal heal.th, the narcissist is causing suffe.rings
What to do in a virtual world when there is a narcissist? In a real world you can get restra.ining order. In virtual world, is it possible to do that?