The psychology of narcissism - W. Keith Campbell
Summary
TLDRThe script explores the myth of Narcissus and its connection to narcissism as a psychological trait. It distinguishes between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, highlighting the self-centered behaviors and potential negative impacts on society. The narrative delves into the causes of narcissism, including genetic factors and environmental influences, and touches on the rise of narcissistic traits in modern cultures. It concludes with the possibility of improvement through self-reflection and compassion.
Takeaways
- đż The myth of Narcissus from ancient Greece and Rome serves as an allegory for the concept of narcissism, illustrating an extreme self-obsession that led to his downfall.
- đ§ Narcissism in psychology is defined as an inflated, grandiose self-image, where individuals perceive themselves as superior and deserving of special treatment.
- đ Psychologists differentiate between two forms of narcissism: grandiose and vulnerable, each with distinct behaviors and attitudes towards self-worth and entitlement.
- đââïž Grandiose narcissism is characterized by extroversion, dominance, and a constant need for attention and power, often seen in public figures like politicians and celebrities.
- đ€« Vulnerable narcissism is more internalized, with individuals being quiet and reserved, yet still possessing a strong sense of entitlement and sensitivity to perceived slights.
- đ The negative aspects of narcissism can manifest in selfish behavior, risky or unethical decisions in leadership, and dishonesty or infidelity in relationships.
- â When narcissists face challenges to their self-image, they may react with resentment and aggression, causing distress to those around them.
- đ„ Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a more severe form of narcissism, recognized as a psychological disorder affecting 1-2% of the population, predominantly in men.
- đ¶ Developmental self-centeredness in children is considered normal and should not be confused with NPD, which is a diagnosis for adults.
- đ The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual outlines specific traits associated with NPD, such as a grandiose self-view and a lack of empathy.
- 𧏠Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of narcissism, with parenting styles and cultural values playing significant roles.
- đ The rise of narcissism in the United States since the 1970s correlates with shifts in cultural focus from communal to individualistic values, and the advent of social media has amplified opportunities for self-promotion.
- đ Narcissists can work on their negative traits through self-reflection and practices like psychotherapy or compassion, although it can be difficult for those with NPD to maintain this self-improvement.
Q & A
What is the myth of Narcissus and how does it relate to the concept of narcissism?
-The myth of Narcissus tells the story of a handsome man who fell in love with his own reflection and eventually drowned, unable to leave his image. This myth captures the essence of narcissism, which is an excessive self-involvement and self-love.
What is the psychological definition of narcissism?
-Narcissism is defined psychologically as an inflated, grandiose self-image where individuals perceive themselves as better looking, smarter, and more important than others, believing they deserve special treatment.
How many forms of narcissism as a personality trait are recognized by psychologists?
-Psychologists recognize two forms of narcissism as a personality trait: grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism.
What are the characteristics of grandiose narcissism?
-Grandiose narcissism is characterized by extroversion, dominance, and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals with this form may pursue power and attention, often seen in politicians, celebrities, or cultural leaders.
How does vulnerable narcissism differ from grandiose narcissism?
-Vulnerable narcissism is marked by quietness and reserve. Individuals with this form may have a strong sense of entitlement but are easily threatened or slighted, unlike grandiose narcissists who are more extroverted and dominant.
What are some negative long-term effects of narcissism?
-Narcissists tend to act selfishly, which can lead to risky or unethical decisions in leadership positions and dishonest or unfaithful behavior in relationships. They may also become resentful and aggressive when their self-image is challenged.
What is narcissistic personality disorder and how does it differ from narcissism as a personality trait?
-Narcissistic personality disorder is a more extreme form of narcissism classified as a psychological disorder. It affects a small percentage of the population and is characterized by traits that significantly interfere with a person's life, unlike the personality trait which can vary in degree.
According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, what are some traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder?
-Traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder include a grandiose view of oneself, problems with empathy, a sense of entitlement, and a need for admiration or attention.
What factors contribute to the development of narcissism?
-Narcissism has a strong genetic component, although the specific genes are unknown. Environmental factors also play a role, such as parents who excessively praise their child or those who are cold and controlling. Cultural values that emphasize individuality and self-promotion can also contribute.
How has narcissism as a personality trait changed in the United States since the 1970s?
-Since the 1970s, narcissism as a personality trait has been on the rise in the United States, coinciding with the shift from a communal focus to the self-esteem movement and an increase in materialism.
What role does social media play in narcissism, and is there evidence that it causes narcissism?
-Social media provides a platform for self-promotion and seeking social status and attention, which can cater to narcissistic tendencies. However, there is no clear evidence that social media causes narcissism; it may simply amplify existing traits.
Can narcissists improve on their negative traits, and if so, how?
-Yes, narcissists can improve by engaging in activities that promote self-reflection and caring for others, such as psychotherapy or practicing compassion. The challenge lies in the difficulty narcissists may have with self-reflection and maintaining the effort for self-improvement.
Outlines
đ The Myth and Psychology of Narcissism
This paragraph introduces the myth of Narcissus, a tale from ancient Greece and Rome that serves as a metaphor for self-obsession. It explains the psychological concept of narcissism as an inflated self-image and the belief in one's superiority and entitlement. The paragraph distinguishes between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, and mentions narcissistic personality disorder as an extreme form. It also touches on the negative consequences of narcissism in various aspects of life, such as leadership and relationships.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄNarcissism
đĄNarcissistic Personality Disorder
đĄGrandiose Narcissism
đĄVulnerable Narcissism
đĄSelf-Involvement
đĄSelf-Reflection
đĄEmpathy
đĄSelf-Esteem Movement
đĄSocial Media
đĄPsychotherapy
Highlights
The myth of Narcissus illustrates the concept of narcissism, characterized by excessive self-love and self-involvement.
Narcissism is a psychological trait studied by psychologists, defined as an inflated, grandiose self-image.
Narcissists believe they are superior in appearance, intelligence, and importance, deserving special treatment.
Two forms of narcissism are recognized: grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.
Grandiose narcissists are extroverted, dominant, and seek attention and power, often found in positions of influence.
Vulnerable narcissists are more reserved but have a strong sense of entitlement and are easily threatened.
Narcissism can manifest negatively, with narcissists acting selfishly and making risky or unethical decisions.
Narcissistic personality disorder is a more extreme form, affecting 1-2% of the population, more commonly in men.
Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a grandiose self-view, lack of empathy, and a need for admiration.
Narcissism is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including parenting styles.
Cultural values that emphasize individuality and self-promotion can contribute to higher levels of narcissism.
The rise of narcissism in the United States since the 1970s correlates with the self-esteem movement and increased materialism.
Social media provides a platform for narcissists to seek social status and attention, though it is not a direct cause of narcissism.
Narcissists can improve their negative traits through honest self-reflection and caring for others, such as through psychotherapy.
Self-improvement is challenging for narcissists with personality disorder, as self-reflection is difficult from an unflattering angle.
Transcripts
Way before the first selfie,
the ancient Greeks and Romans had a myth
about someone a little too obsessed with his own image.
In one telling,
Narcissus was a handsome guy wandering the world in search of someone to love.
After rejecting a nymph named Echo,
he caught a glimpse of his own reflection in a river,
and fell in love with it.
Unable to tear himself away,
Narcissus drowned.
A flower marked the spot of where he died, and we call that flower the Narcissus.
The myth captures the basic idea of narcissism,
elevated and sometimes detrimental self-involvement.
But it's not just a personality type that shows up in advice columns.
It's actually a set of traits classified and studied by psychologists.
The psychological definition of narcissism is an inflated, grandiose self-image.
To varying degrees, narcissists think they're better looking,
smarter,
and more important than other people,
and that they deserve special treatment.
Psychologists recognize two forms of narcissism as a personality trait:
grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.
There's also narcissistic personality disorder,
a more extreme form, which we'll return to shortly.
Grandiose narcissism is the most familiar kind,
characterized by extroversion,
dominance,
and attention seeking.
Grandiose narcissists pursue attention and power,
sometimes as politicians,
celebrities,
or cultural leaders.
Of course, not everyone who pursues these positions of power is narcissistic.
Many do it for very positive reasons,
like reaching their full potential,
or helping make people's lives better.
But narcissistic individuals seek power
for the status and attention that goes with it.
Meanwhile, vulnerable narcissists can be quiet and reserved.
They have a strong sense of entitlement,
but are easily threatened or slighted.
In either case, the dark side of narcissism shows up over the long term.
Narcissists tend to act selfishly,
so narcissistic leaders may make risky or unethical decisions,
and narcissistic partners may be dishonest or unfaithful.
When their rosy view of themselves is challenged,
they can become resentful and aggressive.
It's like a disease where the sufferers feel pretty good,
but the people around them suffer.
Taken to the extreme,
this behavior is classified as a psychological disorder
called narcissistic personality disorder.
It affects one to two percent of the population,
more commonly men.
It is also a diagnosis reserved for adults.
Young people, especially children, can be very self-centered,
but this might just be a normal part of development.
The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association's
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
describes several traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder.
They include a grandiose view of oneself,
problems with empathy,
a sense of entitlement,
and a need for admiration or attention.
What makes these trait a true personality disorder
is that they take over people's lives and cause significant problems.
Imagine that instead of caring for your spouse or children,
you used them as a source of attention or admiration.
Or imagine that instead of seeking
constructive feedback about your performance,
you instead told everyone who tried to help you
that they were wrong.
So what causes narcissism?
Twin studies show a strong genetic component,
although we don't know which genes are involved.
But environment matters, too.
Parents who put their child on a pedestal
can foster grandiose narcissism.
And cold, controlling parents can contribute to vulnerable narcissism.
Narcissism also seems to be higher
in cultures that value individuality and self-promotion.
In the United States, for example,
narcissism as a personality trait has been rising since the 1970s,
when the communal focus of the 60s
gave way to the self-esteem movement
and a rise in materialism.
More recently, social media has multiplied the possibilities for self-promotion,
though it's worth noting
that there's no clear evidence that social media causes narcissism.
Rather, it provides narcissists a means to seek social status and attention.
So can narcissists improve on those negative traits?
Yes!
Anything that promotes honest reflection on their own behavior
and caring for others,
like psychotherapy or practicing compassion towards others, can be helpful.
The difficulty is it can be challenging
for people with narcissistic personality disorder
to keep working at self-betterment.
For a narcissist, self-reflection is hard from an unflattering angle.
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