Narcissism is not just a type of personality that psychologists periodically write and talk about, it is a set of classified and studied traits. What caused the formation of these traits? Can narcissists improve their negative traits?
Long ago, Greeks and Romans had a myth about a man who was couldn’t get enough of his own reflection. It tells how the handsome Narcissus roamed the world in search of love. Denying the feelings of the nymph Echo, he glanced briefly at his reflection in the river and fell in love with himself. Unable to get enough, Narcissus drowned. The flower, which appeared at the place of his death, was called a narcissus.
The myth captures the nature of narcissism – increased and often destructive egocentrism. According to the definition of psychologists, narcissism is an overestimated, pretentious self-perception. Psychologists distinguish two forms of narcissism as personality traits, which are pompous and vulnerable narcissism. There is also a narcissistic personality disorder, which is an extreme form of manifestation.
The type of bombastic narcissism is more familiar to us. It is characterized by extraversion, the desire to stand out, to attract attention. Pompous narcissists sometimes gain attention and power like politicians, as celebrities, or as prominent cultural figures. Of course, not everyone who seeks power is a narcissist. Many are driven by good intentions, for example, the desire to reach their potential or improve the lives of others. People of the narcissistic type seek power for the sake of status and inherent attention to power.
Representatives of the vulnerable type, on the contrary, are shy and closed. They are sure that they all have something to do, but they are easily scared or offended.
In both cases, the dark side of narcissism is not immediately apparent. Such people act extremely selfishly. Narcissistic leaders can make risky and immoral decisions; narcissistic partners are not always honest and can change. If their rosy ideas about themselves are questioned, dislike and aggression arise on their part. This is like a disease when the patient feels excellent, and others suffer.
An extreme degree of narcissism is considered a mental disorder called narcissistic personality disorder. It affects 1-2% of the population, most often men. The disorder is usually found in adults. For adolescents and especially children, manifestations of selfishness are the norm and can accompany the usual process of growing up. The fifth edition of the Handbook for the Diagnosis and Statistics of Mental Disorders describes the characteristic properties of narcissistic personality disorder, including excessive self-esteem, inability to empathize, confidence in a special status, and the need for admiration and attention. Signs of a mental disorder are these traits when they radically change lives and cause serious problems. Imagine that instead of caring for your loved ones, you considered them to be extensions of self – mere objects. Or imagine that instead of listening to constructive criticism about your work, you will tell everyone who tries to help you that they are wrong.
So what is the cause of narcissism? A study of twins revealed a strong influence of heredity, although it is not yet known which genes are responsible for this. The external environment also matters. If parents idolize a child from childhood, they may develop a tendency to pompous narcissism. Strict and powerful parents, on the contrary, can grow vulnerable narcissists.
Certainly, the degree of narcissism is higher in a society where individuality and self-promotion are valued. In the United States, for example, narcissism as a character trait has become very popular since the 1970s, when the 60s attitude towards the public good was replaced by a universal demand for self-affirmation and the growth of materialism. Nowadays, social networks have increased opportunities for self-promotion, although it is worth noting that the influence of social networks on narcissism has not yet been proven. Networks are, rather, a means for narcissists to seek social status and attention.
Is it possible to get rid of the adverse features of narcissism? Yes! You need an honest look at your own behavior and concern for others, for example, a psychotherapy session or empathy with other people. It will be most difficult for people with a narcissistic personality disorder because it is extremely difficult for them to look at themselves, not from the most flattering side.
About the author: Melisa Marzett is a freelancer who has always wanted to write. She is very curious by nature. She loves documentaries and stories based on true events. She is writing articles for American Writers currently and enjoys doing research work. Also, she is an animal rights activist and a fitness enthusiast inspired by Jane Fonda.