Exploring the 6 Types of Narcissism
Go ahead and log onto any social media platform. In less than a minute of scrolling, you’re bound to encounter some kind of post that mentions narcissism. It’s a hot topic, but like most hot topics, it suffers the burden of clickbait misinformation. Understanding narcissism will help you navigate your interpersonal life. However, the first step is to find ways to grasp the more nuanced aspects of the issue.
For example, did you know there are six types of narcissism (grandiose, vulnerable, communal, self-righteous, neglectful, and malignant)? Each of these categories involves some specific traits and symptoms. Exploring these differences is a great way to better comprehend narcissism as a whole.
The 6 Types of Narcissism
For the sake of clarity, there is overlap. Some signs and symptoms will blur between groups. That said, the list below is a powerful way to begin inhabiting a more nuanced perspective on narcissism.
1. Grandiose
If there is a blueprint for narcissism, this is probably it. Grandiose narcissists draw people in with their charm and confidence, but while they can be motivating, just as often, they make others feel inferior. Grandiose narcissists fulfill plenty of narcissist stereotypes, e.g.:
Seeking to be the center of attention
Arrogance
Successful but still exaggerate their achievements
Will interrupt, dominate conversations, and downplay others in the process
If grandiose narcissism sounds like a paradox, that’s because it is. Someone in this category will be viewed as a leader or authority figure, but with that comes the desire to manipulate, control, and take advantage of the people in their lives.
2. Vulnerable
The vulnerable or covert narcissist is less obvious than the grandiose narcissist. They are more likely to be called “negative” at first — perhaps even “shy.” But once they open up, you will hear tales of being victimized. They’ll tell you how others are holding them back. The anger a vulnerable narcissist feels may surface as:
Passive-aggression
Resentment
Self-pity
No tolerance for criticism
3. Communal
Since communal narcissists typically engage in work to help others, their narcissism can go unrecognized for a long while. Simply put, they do good deeds, but their goal is praise. Without external validation, they lack meaning. Thus, the people being helped are just a means to an end.
Communal narcissists often use their public works to be viewed as a hero and increase their social standing. Meanwhile, if they don’t gain the credit they feel they deserve, they can become vindictive and use manipulation to control the narrative.
4. Self-Righteous
If you have a rigid person in your life — brimming with rules — they might be a self-righteous narcissist. Basically, they set the standards and harshly judge anyone who doesn’t adhere. There’s no empathy for those who disagree or can’t keep up, and, as you might imagine, this doesn’t bode well for friendships and relationships.
5. Neglectful
This category is not commonly discussed in viral posts about the dangers of narcissism. Since, to them, people exist to satisfy their needs, neglectful narcissists are indifferent, distant, and detached. But they can suddenly engage when it serves their self-focused purposes.
6. Malignant
You might say this is narcissism on steroids. Malignant narcissism can be so extreme that it hampers everyone’s life it touches — including the narcissist in question. They can be cruel and vindictive to the point of aggression. Malignant narcissists:
Are entitled
Expect special treatment
Cannot handle anything except praise
Blame others for their lack of success
Will lash out if they feel slighted
See the world in black-and-white terms
With the above details and distinctions, you can become more adept at recognizing narcissism in someone you meet (or yourself). However, it’s strongly suggested that you talk with a skilled anxiety therapist to learn more before taking any specific actions. I’d love to talk with you about all of this and more.
