By: Sara E. Teller
Did you know that there are different types of narcissists? As an unhelpful and harmful condition, narcissism can be overt, covert, antagonistic, communal, or malignant. And, as a mental health condition, all of these presentations can be included in one clinical diagnosis – narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
When you look at narcissism as an inherent personality trait, however, there are two simple ways to consider how it affects self and others: adaptive (which is helpful) and maladaptive (which is unhelpful). Here’s the difference:
•Adaptive narcissism refers helpful aspects of the personality, such as having high levels of confidence and the ability to be self-directed in situations where this is important. It doesn’t cross the line into begin detrimental to others and is not clinically diagnosable as a mental health disorder.
•Maladaptive narcissism is what we think of when we discuss NPD. It is that pathological form that hurts the narcissist themselves and everyone around them. Traits of maladaptive narcissism include a sense of entitlement, shame and distrust, being easily angered, and the tendency to take advantage of others, etc.
When most people think or speak about someone being a narcissist, they are usually referring to the five types of narcissism that fall under the maladaptive category. It is important to note that there are also subtypes within each of these, but for the sake of simplicity, the five types are more often discussed. Here are the basic ways each of these types presents:
The Overt Type
More commonly known as “grandiose narcissism,” or the “somatic” type, this type was long considered to be the most common, although research has been shifting in recent years. Overt narcissists are typically good-looking and are extroverted, charismatic, aggressive, and attention-seeking. Think of that skilled salesman that got you to buy something you really didn’t need. They use charm to manipulate and expect special treatment from others. They won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.
These types of people are especially predatory in their ability to see vulnerability in others, and they enjoy using this against them. Everything is a challenge and a game that they must win. They are overly competitive and are ready and willing to humiliate others in order to come out on top.
The Covert Type
Sometimes referred to as “narcissistic vulnerability,” this particular type of person tends to be very passive-aggressive; however, they normally come across as helpless. They tend to portray themselves as the victim and are quick to cry or create a crisis to gain attention for themselves. Commonly they will also struggle with anxiety and or depression and try desperate to mask these vulnerabilities. They are considered to be more dangerous in many ways than the overt type because they are less recognizable as predators. And they use this to their advantage.
Communal Narcissists
These narcissists love to use others to do their bidding, and those the narcissist solicits to do so are commonly called their “flying monkeys.” These individuals are in the narcissist’s corner, and they’ll go to great lengths to keep them there. We tend to see communal narcissism play out in corporate settings in which the narcissist holds a high-level position with a certain degree of authority. They may have many direct reports and even a board of other executives to contend with, all of whom they will exert their power over primarily using fear tactics (i.e., damaging careers if they don’t comply).
Antagonist Narcissists
This one has to do with the attachment style that the narcissist develops with their caregivers at a young age. The primary goal of this type isn’t new – they are focused on winning at all costs. But they are referred to as “antagonistic” because they love to get others riled up enough to engage in their sadistic games. Ever here the saying, “I’d say you’re right, but then we’d both be wrong”? This is the mentality of the antagonist. Life is a competition, and they are here to prove they’re never wrong (at all costs). You can see how exhausting it would be to be tangled up in any kind of interaction with the antagonistic narcissist, and as soon as victims choose to disengage, they simply move on to the next victim wiling to participate in their game.
Malignant Narcissists
Malignant narcissists are considered the most dangerous, primarily because they possess traits evident in all of the others. They are both good-looking and intelligent, like the somatic, and able to draw in others like the covert and communal types. They use this to engage others in their sadistic games like the antagonist. A historic example of a malignant narcissist would be Adolph Hitler, using his authority, charm and charisma to brainwash the masses. Malignants tend to hold high-paying, important positions in their careers as well as in other areas of life. They may be a decision-maker for community activities and in other opportunities that allow the narcissist to exercise their power. The malignant narcissist will do anything and everything to maintain this self-perceived superiority and entitlement, including using tactics such as fear, manipulation, and financial control.
No matter what type of pathological narcissism is present, one thing is quite clear – they leave a path of destruction wherever they go. The impact of their actions is catastrophic, leaving their victims shattered with long term physical and mental complications caused by their selfish behavior.
Remember, leaving may be hard but living life with someone with NPD is even harder. Going no contact is the best way to regain a sense of self-worth.
Break the silence, break the cycle.