Are you a narcissist? 8 common traits of narcissism

Summary

In this video, Kati Morton, a licensed marriage and family therapist, explores narcissism, its traits, and how to determine if you or someone you know may be struggling with narcissistic tendencies. She explains key characteristics like superiority, entitlement, lack of empathy, and control, as well as the importance of professional diagnosis. Through a series of reflective questions, she helps viewers assess whether they might exhibit narcissistic traits, reassuring them that a concern for others and self-awareness are often signs that they are not narcissistic. Ultimately, the video provides helpful insights to guide viewers in understanding narcissism and seeking professional support if needed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Narcissism refers to narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), but people can also have narcissistic traits without having the full disorder.
• 😀 People with narcissistic traits may feel superior to others and try to maintain a facade of being better than everyone else.
• 😀 Entitlement is a common trait, where narcissists feel they deserve respect, apologies, raises, or privileges without earning them.
• 😀 Narcissists have a strong need for attention and will often hijack events to shift focus back to themselves, even at others' expense.
• 😀 Narcissists exhibit a need for control, often using manipulation tactics like gaslighting and love bombing to keep things in their favor.
• 😀 Lack of boundaries is a hallmark of narcissism, where they see others as extensions of themselves and may intrude on personal space and privacy.
• 😀 Narcissists rarely take responsibility for their actions and will often blame others to protect their self-image.
• 😀 A key characteristic of narcissism is a lack of empathy, making it hard for narcissists to understand or care about how others feel.
• 😀 Splitting is a common trait in narcissism, where people or situations are seen as either all good or all bad, with no room for nuance.
• 😀 If you're concerned about being a narcissist, the fact that you're empathetic, apologize when necessary, and care about others' feelings likely means you're not a narcissist.
• 😀 To diagnose narcissism, it's important to consult with a professional, as narcissistic traits can overlap with other issues like trauma or anxiety.

Q & A

What is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a condition where a person has an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. This disorder can lead to difficulties in relationships and work environments.

Can someone have narcissistic traits without having NPD?

Yes, it is possible to exhibit narcissistic traits without being diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Just as someone might show symptoms of anxiety without having an anxiety disorder, traits can be present without the full-blown diagnosis.

What are some common traits of a narcissist?

Common traits of a narcissist include superiority, entitlement, a constant need for attention, a desire for control, lack of boundaries, inability to take responsibility, lack of empathy, and splitting (viewing people as either all good or all bad).

What does 'superiority' mean in the context of narcissism?

Superiority in narcissism refers to a belief that a narcissist is better than everyone else around them. They might react with anger or rage if anyone challenges their view or criticizes them.

How does entitlement manifest in narcissistic behavior?

Entitlement in narcissism involves the belief that they deserve special treatment, respect, or privileges without having earned them. For example, a narcissist may expect an apology from others even when they are not at fault.

Why do narcissists have a constant need for attention?

Narcissists crave attention because it reinforces their self-image and helps maintain their facade of superiority. They may disrupt events or overshadow others to ensure they remain the center of attention.

What role does control play in narcissism?

A narcissist’s need for control stems from their desire to maintain their superior image and protect their fragile sense of self. They use manipulative tactics like gaslighting or love bombing to exert control over others.

What is gaslighting in the context of narcissistic behavior?

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic where a narcissist convinces someone that their perception or memory of events is incorrect, causing them to doubt their own reality and feel confused.

How do narcissists handle boundaries?

Narcissists struggle with boundaries because they see others as extensions of themselves. They may disregard personal boundaries, feeling entitled to invade others' space, and will react negatively when their control is challenged.

Can narcissists apologize?

Narcissists generally cannot offer a true apology because admitting fault would undermine their inflated self-image. Instead, they often blame others or find scapegoats to avoid taking responsibility.

What does lack of empathy mean in narcissism?

Lack of empathy in narcissism means that the individual is unable to understand or share the feelings of others. They may not respond with concern when others are hurt or upset and often expect others to align with their feelings and perspectives.

What is 'splitting' in the context of narcissistic traits?

Splitting is a cognitive distortion where a narcissist views people as either entirely good or entirely bad. They may idealize someone at first but quickly devalue them if the person fails to meet their expectations.

How can someone tell if they might have narcissistic tendencies?

If you find yourself struggling to see things from others' perspectives, avoiding responsibility, or viewing people as extensions of yourself, it may indicate narcissistic tendencies. However, these traits can be assessed by a professional for an accurate diagnosis.

If I’m concerned I might be a narcissist, what should I do?

If you're concerned that you might have narcissistic traits, it’s important to see a mental health professional for an accurate assessment. Self-diagnosing can be misleading, and a professional evaluation will provide clarity and guidance for treatment.