Narcissism - PsyBlog

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The Hormone That Turns People Into Narcissists

What is fuelling the rise in narcissism? Are narcissists born or created?

Giving someone power can make them into a narcissist.

However, it depends on how much testosterone they naturally have in their system.

Despite being known as the ‘male hormone’, testosterone is also present in women’s bodies, although at lower levels.

When a person, male or female, has high levels of testosterone, power is more likely to corrupt them, activating narcissistic tendencies, the researchers found.

Dr Nicole Mead, the study’s first author, explained that:

“Narcissists can feel a sense of entitlement – they expect and demand respect from others as well as special privileges,”

They are willing to exploit others to get what they want.”

For the study, 206 people’s testosterone levels were tested and then they were given group activities in which they were sometimes put in positions of power.

Dr Mead explained the results:

“While power doesn’t turn everyone into a destructive tyrant, it has pernicious effects when it gets into the hands of those who want it most.

Power increased narcissism only among those with high-baseline testosterone – people who want to achieve and retain positions of power.”

The component of narcissism that was boosted by power is known as ‘exploitative-entitlement’.

In other words, power made people more ready to exploit others and to feel it is their right to do so.

Dr Nicole Mead, the study’s first author, said:

“Power is an essential component of social life.

Although the corrupting nature of power has been noted for centuries, the way it changes how people see themselves in relation to others remained an enigma.

We thought narcissistic self-views may be a missing piece of the puzzle for understanding how power corrupts.”

Dr Mead thinks much can be pinned on a sense of entitlement:

“This research is some of the first to look at factors that fuel the rise of narcissism and to pinpoint the change in self-views that can explain the corrupting influence of power.

Moreover, the work shows that the destructive effects of power were not due to narcissistic feelings of superiority but rather narcissistic feelings that one is special and should be treated accordingly.

Feelings of exploitation and entitlement may help those who crave power to retain a power gap between themselves and others.”

The study was published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General (Mead et al., 2018).

Narcissistic Rage: What It Is And How To Respond

Discover how to spot narcissistic rage, understand its root causes, and employ effective techniques to manage difficult situations.

Narcissistic rage is a complex emotional reaction often associated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), manifesting as intense anger or aggression when a person feels their self-esteem is threatened.

Understanding narcissistic rage

What is narcissistic rage?

Narcissistic rage refers to an extreme and often disproportionate reaction to a perceived slight or criticism.

It is a defensive mechanism rooted in a fragile self-image, commonly observed in individuals with narcissistic personality traits.

Such rage can range from explosive outbursts to passive-aggressive behaviours, depending on the individual’s personality and circumstances.

Although not exclusive to narcissistic personality disorder, it is frequently a hallmark of this condition and can serve as a lens to better understand broader narcissistic behaviours.

What triggers narcissistic rage?

Narcissistic rage is typically triggered by events or actions that threaten the narcissist’s sense of superiority or self-worth.

Criticism, whether real or perceived.
Being ignored or overlooked.
Failure to meet high expectations.
Jealousy or comparisons with others.

Even minor incidents, such as a casual remark or an unintended slight, can provoke a strong reaction.

Triggers often stem from deeply ingrained fears of inadequacy or rejection, which the individual may not consciously acknowledge.

Recognising the signs of narcissistic rage

Narcissistic rage can manifest in various ways, making it crucial to understand the signs for early recognition.

Explosive anger: Sudden and intense outbursts that may include shouting or physical aggression.
Passive aggression: Silent treatment, sarcasm, or indirect hostility.
Blame-shifting: Refusal to accept responsibility, often deflecting blame onto others.
Emotional manipulation: Guilt-tripping or attempting to control others’ responses.

These behaviours often serve to protect the narcissist’s ego and maintain their sense of control.

It is important to note that these signs may vary in intensity and frequency, depending on the individual and the specific context.

The impact of narcissistic rage on relationships

Frequent episodes of narcissistic rage can severely affect personal and professional relationships.

Partners, family members, and colleagues may feel emotionally drained, fearful, or resentful.

Over time, such interactions can erode trust and lead to long-lasting relational damage.

Key impacts include:

Emotional instability: Constant unpredictability can create a stressful environment.
Communication breakdown: Fear of triggering rage often results in avoiding honest discussions.
Isolation: Friends and loved ones may distance themselves to protect their well-being.

The cumulative effects of narcissistic rage often extend beyond the immediate relationship, influencing the individual’s broader social and professional networks.

In severe cases, unchecked rage can contribute to patterns of abuse, further complicating the relational dynamics.

How to cope with narcissistic rage

Managing interactions with someone exhibiting narcissistic rage requires both emotional resilience and practical strategies.

Strategies for responding to narcissistic rage

Stay calm: Maintaining composure can help de-escalate the situation.
Set boundaries: Clearly communicate acceptable behaviour and enforce limits.
Avoid personalising: Recognise that the rage is a reflection of their insecurities, not your actions.
Seek support: Confide in trusted friends, family, or therapists to manage emotional stress.

Patience and consistent boundary-setting are essential when dealing with chronic patterns of rage.

It can also be helpful to develop a plan for handling particularly challenging interactions, ensuring that you prioritise your safety and well-being.

Self-care for individuals affected by narcissistic rage

Being exposed to narcissistic rage can take a significant toll on your mental health.

Practising self-care is vital to maintaining emotional balance.

Engage in stress-relief activities such as meditation, exercise, or journaling.
Limit contact if the behaviour becomes too overwhelming.
Consider therapy to develop coping mechanisms and process your feelings.

Regularly checking in with yourself and addressing your emotional needs can prevent burnout and build resilience over time.

Therapeutic approaches to managing narcissistic rage

Professional treatment options

Individuals prone to narcissistic rage can benefit from therapeutic interventions that address the underlying causes.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and challenge distorted thought patterns.
Psychodynamic therapy: Explores unresolved childhood experiences contributing to narcissistic tendencies.
Anger management programmes: Provides tools for recognising and controlling emotional outbursts.

Consistency in therapy can foster self-awareness and healthier emotional regulation.

In addition to individual therapy, family or group counselling can provide valuable insights and support for all parties involved.

Can narcissistic rage be prevented?

While completely preventing narcissistic rage may not be possible, creating a supportive environment can minimise its frequency and intensity.

Encourage open communication without fear of judgment.
Reinforce positive behaviours with praise and validation.
Address potential triggers proactively to reduce conflicts.

Early intervention can play a crucial role in mitigating the long-term effects of narcissistic rage.

Educational efforts aimed at increasing awareness about narcissistic tendencies and their impact can also contribute to healthier interpersonal dynamics.

Conclusion

Narcissistic rage is a powerful emotional response driven by a fragile sense of self-worth, often causing significant harm to relationships and well-being.

Understanding its triggers, recognising its signs, and employing effective coping strategies are essential steps in managing its impact.

With professional help and consistent effort, individuals prone to narcissistic rage can develop healthier emotional responses, improving their relationships and quality of life.

For those affected by narcissistic rage, prioritising self-care and seeking external support can pave the way for recovery and resilience.

The Disturbing Reason Narcissists Keep Showing Off

Narcissistic rate themselves as more intelligent, likeable, attractive and funny — but, do they know they are biased?

Research reveals the surprising self-awareness behind narcissistic behaviour.

Narcissists do know they are narcissists and they are happy with it, research finds.

Far from being unaware of their brash, flamboyant nature, they revel in it.

They know others don’t rate them as highly as they rate themselves.

Perhaps all their boasting is their attempt to get the rest of us up to speed on how brilliant they are.

The study’s authors write:

“First, narcissists understand that others do not see them as positively as they see themselves.

Second, they understand that their reputation is more positive in a first impression context than among people who know them well.

Third, narcissists describe themselves and their reputation as narcissistic.”

For the three studies included in the research, hundreds of acquaintances were asked what they thought of each other, and of how they saw themselves.

People who scored higher or narcissistic traits rated themselves as more intelligent, likeable, attractive and funny.

They also rated themselves higher on the negative aspects of narcissism, such as being arrogant, power-oriented and impulsive.

This suggests that narcissists are aware of the effect their behaviour has on others.

They knew that other people didn’t think they were as great as they thought they were.

The study’s authors write:

“…narcissists believe that others do not see them as positively as they see themselves.

For example, from the perspective of narcissists, others fail to perceive the full magnitude of their likeability, intelligence, and attractiveness.

The discrepancy between their self-perceptions and their meta-perceptions might explain why narcissists behave in arrogant ways (e.g., brag).

Specifically, they may be seeking the recognition they believe they deserve.”

The study was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Carlson et al., 2011).

How To Get A Narcissist To Finally Care About Others

Self-focus blinds the narcissist to others, but there’s a way to break through.

Narcissistic individuals are highly self-focused, so they have a problem with empathy.

This makes them hard to deal with because they are not naturally that concerned about your point of view — or anyone else’s.

However, forcing a narcissist to put themselves in someone else’s shoes can help them empathise.

The conclusion comes from a new study looking at how people can be encouraged to make charitable donations.

The researchers found that narcissists were not affected by appeals that focused on the charity recipient — the starving man, diseased woman or lost child.

The narcissist can’t see how this is relevant to them.

However, they were moved to donate by appeals that asked them to imagine themselves being starving, diseased or lost.

The key, then, is making the narcissist really feel that the calamity is happening to them.

When the narcissist projects themselves into the distressed person, they are much more motivated to act.

Dr Arun Lakshmanan, study co-author, said:

“It’s the difference between showing the need and asking the donor to ‘stand in someone else’s shoes.

Charitable giving is about having empathy — recognizing and responding to the needs and emotions of other people.

Narcissists have difficulty with that, so asking them to imagine themselves as the person in need can help elicit genuine concern and, thus, donations.”

Narcissists could not be reached when they could not imagine themselves in the recipient’s circumstances.

For example, when the disease only affects the opposite gender or animals.

Dr Lakshmanan said:

“Particularly for causes to which donors have little personal connection — an unfamiliar disease, a need halfway around the globe — we recommend using vivid pictures, first-person stories and ‘imagine-self’ language to draw in high-narcissism donors.”

The study was published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (Kang & Lakshmanan, 2018).

Why A Little Narcissism Might Actually Be Good For You

Grandiosity and confidence may lead to psychological benefits.

Young people who are somewhat grandiose and with an inflated sense of authority have higher levels of well-being, research finds.

Both of these traits — grandiosity and an inflated sense of self — are components of narcissism.

However, young people who displayed entitlement and a willingness to exploit others experienced lower life satisfaction.

This suggests that some aspects of narcissism can be beneficial to psychological health.

However, the findings were different for older people.

Narcissistic personality traits can change over the lifespan, explained Dr Patrick Hill, the study’s first author:

“Most people think of narcissism as a trait that doesn’t change much across the lifespan.

But a lot of recent studies have shown that the developmental trajectory of narcissism goes upward in adolescence and what we call emerging adulthood — the late teens and early 20s, and then typically declines.”

It may be that some aspects of narcissism are ‘useful’ when we are younger, but they naturally fade away with age.

The study included 368 undergraduate students and 439 of their family members.

It compared the personalities of young people with those of their mothers.

It tested both how they saw themselves and how they were seen by others.

The three aspects of narcissism the researchers examined were:

Inflated sense of leadership: a person who believes they know a lot and others should come to them for advice.
Grandiose exhibitionism: a person who likes to show off.
Entitlement and a willingness to exploit others.

In contrast to the findings for young people, older adults with narcissistic traits were seen by others as neurotic and unreliable.

There was also no benefit to life satisfaction for the first two narcissistic traits, as was seen in younger people.

Not all forms of narcissism are always bad, the research concludes.

Professor Brent Roberts, study co-author, said that narcissism can help people to…

…navigate adolescence and the turmoil involved in trying to find a sense of identity.

Later in life, however, those same traits appear to be related to less life satisfaction and a poorer reputation.”

The study was published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science (Hill & Roberts, 2011).

Covert Narcissism: Traits, Manipulation Tactics & Coping With It

What is covert narcissism? Discover the subtle traits, warning signs, and how to handle relationships with covert narcissists effectively.

What is Covert Narcissism?

Covert narcissism is a more subtle, insidious form of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) that can be difficult to detect.

Unlike overt narcissists who are more easily recognised due to their grandiose and attention-seeking behaviour, covert narcissists display a more passive and reserved façade.

They may come across as shy, self-effacing, or even insecure, but underneath this veneer, they still harbour the same self-centred traits as their more overt counterparts.

While an overt narcissist will openly demand admiration and validation, the covert narcissist seeks these through indirect means, often using manipulation, passive-aggressiveness, and emotional abuse.

15 Common Signs of a Covert Narcissist

Identifying covert narcissism can be challenging because it doesn’t manifest in obvious ways.

However, there are certain signs to watch out for, many of which are subtle but toxic.

Below are 15 common traits:

Insecurity: Covert narcissists often present themselves as uncertain or lacking confidence. However, this insecurity often masks a deep sense of superiority.
Passive-Aggression: Instead of direct confrontation, covert narcissists resort to passive-aggressive tactics, like sarcasm, silent treatment, or veiled criticisms.
Hypersensitivity to Criticism: Even minor criticism can lead to extreme emotional reactions, as covert narcissists are deeply fragile and insecure.
Procrastination: They may delay tasks that others depend on, showing disregard for the needs of others.
Chronic Envy: No matter how much they achieve or possess, covert narcissists are always envious of others, fixating on what they don’t have.
Self-Deprecation: They may frequently put themselves down, but this is often a manipulative tactic to garner sympathy and reassurance.
Manipulation for Personal Gain: Covert narcissists subtly manipulate situations to ensure they get what they want, often at the expense of others.
Anxiety and Depression: Due to their heightened sensitivity and internal struggles, they are prone to bouts of anxiety and depression.
Superficial Relationships: They often lack the capacity for deep, meaningful relationships, keeping interactions at a surface level.
Blame-Shifting: They rarely accept responsibility for their actions and will frequently blame others for their mistakes or shortcomings.
Attention-Seeking Through Victimhood: Instead of demanding admiration, they seek attention by playing the victim, constantly highlighting their struggles.
Poor Boundaries: Covert narcissists believe their needs are more important, leading them to frequently overstep others’ boundaries.
Difficulty Fitting In: They may struggle in social situations, as their insecurities make it hard for them to connect with others authentically.
False Altruism: While they may appear kind and helpful, their good deeds often have ulterior motives—usually seeking praise and validation.
Fear of Exposure: A covert narcissist’s biggest fear is being exposed for their true nature, leading them to avoid the spotlight or situations where they might be scrutinised.

A covert narcissist may appear humble and quiet, but their manipulative tactics can be just as damaging as those of an overt narcissist.

Covert Narcissist vs. Overt Narcissist: Key Differences

Though both covert and overt narcissists share the same underlying traits—such as grandiosity, lack of empathy, and an inflated sense of self-importance—the way these traits are expressed differs significantly.

Overt narcissists are brash, attention-seeking, and often boastful. They openly demand admiration and expect to be the centre of attention.
Covert narcissists, on the other hand, are more reserved and may come across as shy or self-doubting. Their need for admiration is not overt, but they still crave validation through more subtle, indirect means, such as playing the victim or using passive-aggression to manipulate others.

While overt narcissists are easier to identify due to their flamboyant behaviour, covert narcissists can fly under the radar, making their manipulation all the more harmful.

How Covert Narcissists Manipulate Others Subtly

One of the defining features of covert narcissism is the subtle, yet pervasive manipulation tactics employed to control those around them.

These methods can leave the victim feeling confused, guilty, and questioning their own reality.

Gaslighting: Covert narcissists often distort facts or outright deny things they’ve said or done, causing their victims to doubt their own memories or perceptions.
Playing the Victim: They frequently position themselves as the wronged party, seeking sympathy and validation from others while deflecting blame.
Silent Treatment: This is a common tactic where the covert narcissist will withdraw all communication, leaving the victim feeling isolated and desperate for resolution.
Triangulation: They may involve a third party in conflicts to create a sense of rivalry or to further manipulate the situation.

Covert narcissists are masters at creating confusion and self-doubt in their victims, often leaving them questioning their own sanity.

Protecting Yourself from Emotional Abuse

If you find yourself in a relationship with a covert narcissist, whether it be a romantic partner, family member, or colleague, protecting yourself from their toxic behaviour is essential.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

Set Clear Boundaries: Clearly define what behaviour is and isn’t acceptable, and be prepared to enforce those boundaries.
Limit Engagement: The less you engage in their manipulation, the less power they will have over you. Do not take the bait when they try to provoke you.
Seek Support: Whether through friends, family, or a therapist, having a support network can help you maintain perspective and avoid falling into the trap of self-blame.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and don’t allow the narcissist to make you doubt your own perceptions.

Long-Term Effects of Being in a Relationship with a Covert Narcissist

The emotional and psychological toll of being in a relationship with a covert narcissist can be profound and long-lasting.

Victims may experience:

Low Self-Esteem: Constant manipulation and gaslighting can erode a person’s self-confidence, leaving them feeling worthless and unimportant.
Anxiety and Depression: The emotional strain of dealing with a covert narcissist can lead to significant mental health issues, including chronic anxiety and depression.
Trust Issues: After being manipulated and deceived by a covert narcissist, victims may struggle to trust others, making future relationships difficult.
Trauma Bonding: Some victims may develop a psychological attachment to their abuser, known as trauma bonding, where they feel unable to leave the relationship despite the damage it’s causing.

Living with a covert narcissist can leave long-lasting scars, as their manipulation is often subtle but deeply damaging.

Can Covert Narcissists Change?

A common question asked by those dealing with covert narcissists is whether they can change.

The short answer is: it’s complicated.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a deeply ingrained condition, and while it is possible for a narcissist to change, it is extremely rare without significant, long-term therapy.

Even then, change is only possible if the narcissist is truly motivated to do so, which is often not the case.

Therapy: A narcissist must be willing to engage in therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to address their behaviours and learn to empathise with others.
Self-Awareness: Developing self-awareness is crucial for change, but many narcissists lack this capability or refuse to acknowledge their toxic behaviours.

For most people dealing with covert narcissists, the best course of action is to protect themselves by setting boundaries and limiting engagement.

How To Identify The Signs Of Narcissism And Protect Yourself

Discover the key signs of narcissism, from grandiosity to lack of empathy, and learn to recognise narcissistic behaviour in relationships.

Understanding the signs of narcissism can help you navigate relationships with narcissists and protect yourself from emotional harm.

Narcissism is more than just self-obsession or vanity.

It’s a complex personality disorder characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy.

What is Narcissism?

At its core, narcissism refers to an excessive focus on oneself.

While many people may exhibit narcissistic traits at some point in their lives, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a more severe, chronic condition.

Individuals with NPD often struggle with maintaining healthy relationships and may be unaware of how their behaviour affects others.

Key Features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Grandiosity – an exaggerated sense of self-importance
Need for admiration – craving constant attention and praise
Lack of empathy – difficulty understanding or caring about others’ feelings
Entitlement – expecting special treatment or believing they deserve more than others
Exploitative behaviour – using others to achieve personal goals
Arrogance – acting superior to others in both attitude and behaviour

Early Warning Signs of Narcissism

Narcissistic traits may not be immediately obvious, but certain early behaviours can signal deeper issues.

Recognising these signs early can help you protect yourself before the relationship becomes more toxic.

Subtle Early Behaviours to Watch For:

Constant need for validation – they frequently seek compliments or affirmation.
Self-centred conversations – they always steer conversations back to themselves.
Dismissive of others’ opinions – they tend to ignore, belittle, or brush off the perspectives of others.
Frequent boasting – they boast excessively about their achievements or status.
Lack of accountability – they avoid taking responsibility for mistakes or failures.

Key Signs of Narcissism

As narcissistic behaviour intensifies, several hallmark signs become more apparent.

These behaviours tend to undermine healthy relationships and cause emotional harm to those around them.

Grandiosity and a Sense of Superiority

Narcissists have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others.

They often expect others to treat them as special or more important than anyone else.

Lack of Empathy

One of the most troubling signs of narcissism is a lack of empathy.

Narcissists struggle to connect emotionally with others and have difficulty understanding or caring about others’ feelings.

Exploitative Behaviour

Narcissists often view people as tools to achieve their own goals.

They may manipulate or exploit others to get what they want, without any regard for the other person’s feelings or needs.

Arrogance and Entitlement

Narcissists believe they deserve the best of everything and often become frustrated or angry if they don’t get what they want.

This sense of entitlement leads them to expect special treatment from others.

Envy of Others

Narcissists are frequently envious of others and believe others are envious of them.

They constantly compare themselves to others and feel threatened by the success or happiness of others.

Types of Narcissism

While narcissism may manifest differently from person to person, it can generally be divided into distinct types.

Grandiose Narcissism

This is the most recognisable form of narcissism, often characterised by arrogance, exaggerated self-importance, and a relentless pursuit of admiration.

Grandiose narcissists display a high level of confidence and seek dominance in every interaction.

They often believe they are superior to others and crave validation, using manipulation and charm to get what they want.

Key traits: arrogance, entitlement, lack of empathy, and exploitative behaviour.

Vulnerable Narcissism

In contrast to the grandiose type, vulnerable narcissists are more introverted and insecure.

They may exhibit narcissistic traits as a defence mechanism to protect themselves from perceived rejection or inadequacy.

These individuals often feel unappreciated or victimised, leading to hypersensitivity to criticism and an underlying sense of fragility.

Key traits: hypersensitivity, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and feelings of inadequacy.

Malignant Narcissism

This form combines traits of narcissism with antisocial behaviour and is considered the most dangerous.

Malignant narcissists not only seek admiration but also display tendencies for manipulation, aggression, and a lack of remorse.

Their behaviour can be abusive and harmful to those around them, driven by a need for power and control over others.

Key traits: aggression, sadism, manipulativeness, and a lack of remorse.

Covert Narcissism

Covert narcissists, also known as closet narcissists, are less overt in their behaviour but still possess many of the classic traits of narcissism.

They may appear shy, self-deprecating, or introverted but harbour deep feelings of grandiosity.

This type is often difficult to spot because they hide their narcissism behind a mask of humility or even insecurity.

Key traits: passive-aggressiveness, sensitivity to criticism, hidden feelings of superiority.

Narcissism in Relationships

Narcissistic behaviours can cause significant damage in personal relationships.

Whether it’s a romantic partner, a family member, or a friend, dealing with a narcissist can leave you feeling drained and emotionally bruised.

Common Relationship Dynamics with Narcissists:

Lack of emotional connection – narcissists struggle to form deep, meaningful connections.
Manipulation and control – they often use manipulation to control others and maintain power in relationships.
Blame-shifting – they rarely accept fault and will often blame others for problems.
Emotional abuse – narcissists may engage in subtle or overt forms of emotional abuse, leaving their partners feeling confused and hurt.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of narcissism is not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to the development of narcissistic traits or NPD.

Potential Causes:

Genetics – some studies suggest that narcissistic traits may have a genetic component.
Childhood experiences – overly critical or overly adoring parenting may contribute to narcissistic traits.
Environmental factors – societal pressures and cultural norms that emphasise competition and success can also influence narcissistic behaviours.

How to Protect Yourself from Narcissistic Behaviour

Navigating a relationship with a narcissist can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to protect your emotional well-being.

Practical Strategies for Coping:

Set firm boundaries – be clear about what behaviour is unacceptable and enforce boundaries consistently.
Limit emotional engagement – try not to get emotionally invested in their manipulative tactics.
Seek support – whether through therapy or supportive relationships, having a network to lean on can help you navigate difficult situations.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’re in a relationship with a narcissist and it’s affecting your mental health, it may be time to seek professional help.

Narcissistic personality disorder can be difficult to manage without proper treatment, and therapy can help you develop strategies to protect your mental well-being.