8 Types of Narcissists – How To Spot Them?

Discover the various types of narcissists and learn how to identify them with this comprehensive guide. From covert narcissists to malignant narcissists, uncover the distinct traits and signs of narcissism that define each type. Gain valuable insights into the world of narcissism and improve your understanding of this complex personality disorder.

Narcissism has become a buzzword lately, but what exactly does it mean? And how can you identify the different types of narcissism that may be present in your life? While we often use the term broadly, there are nuances to narcissistic behavior which makes identifying narcissistic traits easier. 

Who is a Narcissist?

In general, narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a need for excessive admiration. Their sense of superiority and entitlement often exploit others. However, the way these traits manifest can vary and carry some warning signs.

Types of Narcissists

While narcissism exists on a spectrum, experts identify different types of narcissists that are helpful to recognize. So how many types of narcissists are there? Some experts say there are 5 types of narcissists, some define up to 10 but few recognize only 2 kinds of narcissists. Here are 8 varieties of narcissists and tips for identifying narcissistic personality types:

1. Overt Narcissists

Overt narcissists openly display grandiosity, dominance, and entitlement. They seek prestige and status symbols. Arrogance and hostility come easily to them. They are often charismatic and charming, at least superficially, using their confidence to attract people. But underlying their bravado are insecurity and a fragile self-esteem.

2. Covert Narcissists

In contrast, covert narcissists hide their sense of superiority. They tend to be hypersensitive, anxious, and insecure but mask these feelings beneath a veneer of false modesty. Passive-aggressiveness, victim hood, and subtle condescension are common with covert narcissists as they seek control.

3. Malignant Narcissists

Malignant narcissists display extreme antisocial, immoral, and sadistic behaviors. They seek to humiliate others and experience pleasure from causing harm and suffering. A profound lack of conscience and empathy are hallmarks of malignant narcissism. Vengeful, paranoia, aggression, and vitriolic rage can emerge under perceived threats.

4. Communal Narcissists

Communal narcissists present as gracious, concerned, and invested in others, but beneath the surface is a strong need for personal recognition. Relationships are leveraged for external validation. Their giving is motivated by an underlying desire for communal acclaim versus genuine altruism.

5. Cerebral Narcissists

Cerebral narcissists derive their sense of superiority and entitlement from their intelligence, academic/job achievements or credentials. Abstract reasoning, objective analysis, and ideas are used to devalue others. They become critical of those they deem less capable or brilliant.

6. Oblivious Narcissists

Oblivious narcissists often appear unaware of their narcissism. They lack self-reflection and humility, yet don’t seem to realize how their behaviors impact others. Grandiosity and entitlement come naturally to them.

7. Exhibitionist Narcissists

Exhibitionist narcissists constantly seek attention and approval through their appearance, accomplishments, and status symbols. They feel entitled to admiration and are uncomfortable out of the spotlight.  

8. Hyper vigilant Narcissists

Hyper vigilant narcissists are distrustful, defensive, and highly reactive to criticism. They are obsessed with protecting their status and image. Anxiety, hostility, shame, and insecurity drive their self-centered behaviors.

The Risks of Labeling

Narcissism is a complex personality trait that exists on a spectrum. While the common hallmarks are entitlement, lack of empathy, and exploitation, there are different expressions. Being able to identify narcissistic behaviors can help us set boundaries. Casually labeling people as “narcissists” comes with risks. While recognizing unhealthy behaviors is useful, labeling can lead to detrimental outcomes like stigma, determinism, justification of mistreatment, and reluctance to seek help. Nuance, compassion and boundaries are better than categorization. 

Conclusion 

Narcissism manifests in different ways across a spectrum. In relationships, it’s helpful to watch for signs of entitlement, lack of empathy, exploitation, and a haughty demeanor as clues to narcissism. Focus on behaviors more than labels. With awareness, we can then set healthy boundaries and manage expectations. Recognizing narcissism enables us to protect ourselves from the manipulation and turbulence it creates. With self-awareness, we can identify unhealthy behaviors in ourselves and others, then respond thoughtfully.

FAQs

Q: What are some common signs of narcissism?

A: Some common signs include a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, a lack of empathy, entitlement, exploitation of others, and behaviors that prop up a fragile self-esteem.

Q: Aren’t narcissists just confident and ambitious people? 

A: There’s a difference between healthy confidence/ambition and narcissism. Narcissism is characterized by extreme self-absorption that hurts relationships. Genuinely confident people have humility and care about others.

Q: Are all narcissists alike? 

A: No, there is a spectrum. Overt narcissists openly display arrogance and seek prestige, while covert narcissists hide grandiosity beneath false modesty. Malignant narcissists take pleasure in harming others and use manipulative tactics. 

Q: How can I deal with a narcissist in my life?

A: Avoid getting pulled into arguments. Set firm boundaries about acceptable behaviors. Seek support from others not tied to the narcissist. Limit contact if the narcissism becomes destructive. Prioritize your own well-being.

Q: Is narcissism something people can change and overcome?

A: Most experts think early life intervention offers the best chances to mitigate narcissistic tendencies. But even as adults, developing self-awareness, empathy, and a willingness to change harmful behaviors can help in healing narcissism.

Q: What is the difference between narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder? 

A: NPD is a formal clinical diagnosis involving an extreme impairment in personality function. Narcissism exists on a broad spectrum and not all narcissistic behaviors equal full-blown NPD.

 

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