8 Types of Narcissists
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is one of ten diagnosable personality disorders, characterized by a grandiose self-image and a lack of empathy. Because narcissists cannot derive their self-worth internally, they become hyper-focused on how they are seen, perceived, and treated by others.
Narcissists depend on external attention and praise to feel special or important. When they do not receive this "narcissistic supply," they can experience a narcissistic collapse, becoming defensive, reacting negatively, and even behaving destructively. During these times, their ego deflates quickly, exposing personal insecurities and shame, a phenomenon known as narcissistic injury. This often leads to defensive and aggressive reactions, or narcissistic rage, which can impede the formation and maintenance of healthy, close relationships.
Types of Narcissists
1. Grandiose Narcissist
- Traits: Arrogant, entitled, charming, grandiose, and vain.
- Behavior: Lacks empathy, prone to lying, and can be antagonistic. Interactions are one-sided and self-focused.
2. Covert/Vulnerable Narcissist
- Traits: Hypersensitive, insecure, resentful, and passive-aggressive.
- Behavior: Displays contempt, engages in projection, perceives hostility from others, and feels misunderstood and underappreciated.
3. Malignant Narcissist
- Traits: Combines grandiosity with exploitative, antagonistic, Machiavellian, and psychopathic traits.
- Behavior: Manipulative, charming, lacks remorse, causes significant damage, and views others as disposable.
4. Communal Narcissist
- Traits: Altruistic appearance, engaged in community, and seeks validation.
- Behavior: Publicly appears giving, but privately self-serving and narcissistic traits are displayed at home.
5. Neglectful Narcissist
- Traits: Engages with others only for personal gain.
- Behavior: Views relationships as transactional and superficial.
6. Benign Narcissist
- Traits: Entitled, grandiose, and lacks empathy, but perceived as clueless, clumsy, or childlike.
- Behavior: Self-centered, immature, and relationships are shallow but less harmful.
7. Entitled Narcissist
- Traits: Believes they deserve special treatment without cause.
- Behavior: Exhibits self-righteousness, disregards rules, and expects recognition without merit.
8. Generational/Cultural Narcissist
- Traits: Difficult to define, influenced by cultural and historical factors.
- Behavior: May exhibit narcissistic traits based on generational or cultural conditioning rather than personality disorders.
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Miller, J. D., Widiger, T. A., & Campbell, W. K. (2010). Narcissistic Personality Disorder and the DSM-V. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 119(4), 640-649.
- Pincus, A. L., & Lukowitsky, M. R. (2010). Pathological Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6, 421-446.
