If you’ve dealt with any form of narcissist abuse, it can be extremely challenging and cause you to question yourself, constantly. Although narcissism is rooted in a fixation with maintaining self-image, it doesn’t always present in exactly the same way in each case.
There are multiple different expressions or types of narcissism, each with their own distinct – and toxic – personality traits.
There are generally considered to be 5 main types of narcissism.
These include the overt (grandiose), covert (vulnerable), malignant, antagonist and communal.
Although, some literature may choose to frame/categorise them in a different manner.
Understanding the Narcissism Spectrum: Types of Narcissism
Understanding the spectrum of narcissism is vital in being able to identify and address any potential issues you may be dealing with in your relationships. Each type of narcissism conforms to various different expressions of behaviour. And within each of these are varying degrees of intensity of self-centredness, domineering tendencies and ways in which they will manipulate.
Adaptive and Maladaptive Narcissism
Adaptive and maladaptive narcissism represent the two opposing sides of the narcissistic spectrum. The traits relating to each may be categorised on one side of the spectrum or another depending on whether they contribute to personal growth or impede it.
Adaptive Narcissism
Adaptive narcissism is what might also be termed as ‘healthy narcissism.’ In this expression, the associated traits are the result of a healthy sense of ego. In social situations, this may manifest as assertiveness, confidence and ambition, which are all positive attributes within work and other relationships – in measured doses. However, this self-assuredness may become inflated in certain scenarios, which may lead to interpersonal issues. Here are a few key traits associated with adaptive narcissism:
Assertiveness: Stands their ground in conflicts, but generally respects boundaries
Confidence: Self-assured and positive about their abilities and self-worth
Ambition: Has clear goals and the drive to achieve them
Leadership: Often assumes leadership roles and shows decisiveness
Resilience: Possesses a strong ability to bounce back from setbacks or failures
Maladaptive Narcissism
Maladaptive narcissism on the other hand, is the type of narcissist we think about that profoundly impacts the lives of others. This is what you would typically associate with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Individuals that fall within the maladaptive narcissistic category may be considered pathological narcissists, wherein the need for validation creates an unshakeable cognitive dissonance. These cases tend to account for 0.5-1% of the population, which is still a sizable number, relatively speaking. Owing to the reduced capacity to rationalise while projecting blame onto others, it can be difficult trying to initiate conversations around negative behaviours, especially if there are tendencies towards gaslighting present. Here are the typical traits associated with maladaptive narcissism:
Grandiosity: Has an inflated sense of self-importance and a tendency to exaggerate achievements
Lack of empathy: Difficulty in understanding and responding to the feelings of others
Manipulative: Uses others to their advantage without considering their needs or feelings
Entitlement: Believes they are inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment
Envy: Often feels envious of others or believes others are envious of them
Different Types of Narcissism: Overt vs Covert
There are two categories of narcissist, which are overt narcissism (grandiose) and covert narcissism (vulnerable). The overt type is what you’d imagine as the archetypal narcissist; outgoing, dominant and extremely self-confident. The covert type, on the other hand, tends to internalise the feeling of superiority while trying to gain validation through more subtle means of manipulation.
In-Depth Analysis: The 5 Types of Narcissism
Narcissism is a term that is often thrown around rather loosely, but it’s much more complex and simply admiration of vanity. In reality, it covers an even broader spectrum than the five types mentioned here. Some of those not mentioned on this list include the cerebral narcissist, the somatic narcissist, and the spiritual narcissist. For now, here’s a look at the five main types of narcissism you might encounter.
Overt Narcissism: The Brazen Egotist
Overt narcissism (grandiose) is what we generally think of when making generalisations. The typical overt narcissist is intensely ego-driven and is characterised by excessive self-importance and a persuasive attitude, often presenting as exploitive tendencies. They’re boastful and in constant need of external validation, which is often termed as ‘narcissistic supply.’
Because they have such an inflated ego, grandiose narcissists can often be found in positions of leadership, due to their endless power-seeking behaviour and capacity for ruthless decision-making. However, while they are able to ascend the ranks in many corporations, their lack of empathy often hinders their ability to be truly great leaders.
Underneath the brazen exterior of an overt narcissist, lies an extremely insecure core. They may design their outer world to reflect the most idealised version of themselves back at them. However, the fallacy of this portrayal is that it is not one based on true self-esteem, as they require constant validation in order to maintain their self-image.
Overt Narcissism Traits
Excessive Self-importance: This might involve taking opportunities to ‘flaunt their status,’ which may also lead to overestimating their abilities and underestimating those of others. There is an inherent belief of superiority.
Grandiosity: There may often be a tendency to live in their own dream world where their grandiose ideology blurs the line between ambition and reality, causing them to overlook the hard work that is actually required to succeed.
Need for Admiration: They are constantly fixated on seeking admiration through any means necessary, which could be a vocation, work, or social status and often become anxious or depressed if this level of validation isn’t received.
Lack of Empathy: This can manifest as dismissing and overriding other people’s emotions in the pursuit of seeking admiration/validation and maintaining a position of superiority.
Outward Entitlement: Entitlement may involve believing they don’t need to adhere to social rules. An example of this might be jumping in line fuelled by a genuine belief that they’re deserving of special treatment due to their ‘status.’
Covert Narcissism: The Silent Manipulator
Unlike overt narcissists, the covert variety of narcissist is much harder to recognise. There is an additional layer of complexity to the way their narcissism presents. One which is far more insidious and requires a greater level of discernment to identify. Covert narcissists are often referred to as ‘silent manipulators’ due to their subtle and indirect methods of control, manipulation and passive-aggressive behaviours.
It might appear at first, that the covert narcissist is modest and perhaps even insecure. However, this outward expression often masks their sense of inward-facing superiority. Their defining characteristic is one of a ‘victimised ego.’ Like the overt narcissist, they believe in their own greatness. But feel as though they’ve been cheated out of success they deserve – and are entitled to; all the while, never taking full responsibility for their mistakes and projecting the blame onto those around them.
This sense of entitlement, fuelled by their self-victimisation often leads to manipulation tactics that will garner sympathy and reinforce their narrative. This might involve subtle attention-seeking behaviours that involve portraying themselves as the victim while harbouring feelings of resentment towards those around them.
Covert Narcissism Traits
Insecurity Masked by Modesty: Covert narcissists will often downplay their abilities, but then follow up with proclamations of being the next best thing – asserting their hidden superiority complex.
Passive-Aggressive Behaviour: They might appear calm and easy-going, but when faced with confrontation may resort to passive-aggressive communication expressing hidden resentment and anger.
Self-Victimisation: They might attribute their mistakes to a run of bad luck, or circumstances beyond their control, and may even resort to Manipulating others into feeling sorry for them to fuel their narrative.
Hidden Sense of Entitlement: In the case of the covert narcissist, they might express their entitlement more subtly through implication rather than more extroverted gestures.
Emotional Manipulation: This may manifest as guilt-tripping, which might take the form of using phrase stems such as, “if you were my friend, you would do this for me.”
Malignant Narcissism: When Narcissism Becomes Destructive
The malignant narcissist is a far more destructive expression of narcissism. It could be considered the most toxic expression of narcissistic personality disorder. In fact, it’s not uncommon for someone with malignant narcissism to exhibit traits of antisocial behaviour disorder, which can sometimes lean towards aggression and acts of violence.
The distinction between a grandiose narcissist and a malignant narcissist is the intensity of their behaviours. While malignant narcissists are self-absorbed and manipulative, there is far more intent to do harm to another through sadistic tendencies that can see them often deriving enjoyment from the pain and suffering of others, displaying little empathy.
Because of their self-importance, malignant narcissist’s find making enemies extremely easy. They often leave a trail of destruction behind them including friends, family, and lovers. They’re ruthless in the pursuit of their wants and will think nothing about exploiting others in order to achieve their stated desires. In fact, their pursuit of power is so intense, it can often be viewed as psychopathy.
Malignant Narcissism Traits:
Sadistic Tendencies: An example of this trait might be a malignant narcissistic boss who assigns an impossible task to an employee just before the weekend begins, knowing this will affect their time off, deriving pleasure from their discomfort.
Lack of Empathy and Remorse: Here, the malignant narcissist might be completely devoid of empathy for a friend who’s just shared some terrible news and changes the subject, showing no remorse even when their behaviour is pointed out to them.
Manipulative and Deceitful Nature: In this instance, the malignant narcissist may constantly lie about their activities and gaslight their partner into believing they’re overly sensitive and overstepping their personal boundaries.
Aggression and Hostility: When faced with reasonable requests, such as being asked by a neighbour to turn down music which is too loud, instead of discussing they might often resort to yelling, threatening or intimidation.
Grandiose Delusions Mixed with Paranoia: They may also believe, despite their grandiosity, that everyone is plotting to take them down out of jealousy. This paranoia can lead to further hostile behaviour towards those in their social circles.
Antagonistic Narcissism: The Openly Hostile Narcissist
The antagonistic narcissist is another variant of overt narcissism. There is also a tendency towards hostile and aggressive behaviour, although not necessarily as sadistic in nature as a malignant narcissist. They will not hide their disdain for others and are often extremely transparent in their desire for dominance and control.
This type of narcissism thrives on confrontation through provocation and drawing attention to themselves to assert their authority and superiority. They can be extremely aggressive in their manipulations and knowingly exploit the weaknesses of those around them for personal gain. This extends to gaslighting and other forms of mental and emotional abuse.
Those who fall within the antagonistic part of the narcissistic spectrum, are also known to be extremely competitive – and arrogant in their pursuit of success. This can often lead to creating hostility between groups of people in order to achieve their goals. They may also do this as a result of feeling envious and resentful of others’ success out of spite.
Antagonistic Narcissism Traits:
Aggressive and Confrontational Behaviour: The antagonistic narcissist will always be in a state of competition. They may interrupt others, dismissing their ideas in a very demeaning expression, and as a result, constantly be engaged in power struggles.
Intentional Manipulation and Gaslighting: They will also engage in manipulation to an extreme degree, which will often involve denying any hurtful actions and insisting those things either didn’t happen or that their partner is just too sensitive.
Exploitation of Weaknesses for Personal Gain: In the workplace, to further their own agenda, if they notice a colleague has a fear of public speaking, they might intentionally put them on the spot during presentations to make themselves look better by comparison.
Deliberate Provocation of Conflicts: They might also stir up animosity within their friend circles, pitting friends against each other and watching the fallout, often using this to divert attention from their own flaws and missteps/mistakes.
Lack of Empathy and Remorse for Harm Caused: In a family dynamic, an antagonistic narcissist may bully their younger sibling, completely unmoved by their distress. Even when confronted, they will show no remorse, gaslighting and blaming their sibling for being ‘too sensitive.’
Communal Narcissism: The Altruistic Narcissist Uncovered
The communal narcissist is another form of covert narcissism. In this expression, the narcissist will present as an altruistic figure within the community, but does so only to serve their own agenda. This type of narcissism seeks to create a constant supply of external validation through acts of charity, which, while benefiting others, is actually rooted in their own ulterior motives.
Beneath the veneer of the do-gooder lies a martyr complex, where the individual plays the role of a self-sacrificing hero, creating narratives that elevate their status while exploiting others’ needs for personal gain. This false humility and self-righteousness is often accompanied by boundary violations, wherein they may often overstep personal boundaries under the guise of ‘support.’
The communal narcissist is also known for ‘selective empathy,’ showing compassion when it will serve their self-image. As such, they might be received as patronising and as though coming from an insincere place. Much like politicians during an election campaign who are focused on appearing empathetic rather than actually being empathetic. Staging managing their empathy. True goodness works quietly and asks for nothing in return.
Communal Narcissism Traits
Charitable Self-Promotion: A communal narcissist may organise a local charity event. And while this event does benefit a good cause, they’ll make sure to draw attention to their role as the organiser at every opportunity.
Need for Recognition in the Community: They might also seek external validation through their, “good deeds.” For example, if they give a donation to a school, they might insist they be mentioned in the newsletter or acknowledged in some other way publicly for their contribution.
Superiority Disguised as Selflessness: A communal narcissist may also volunteer their time, not to help those in need, but due to the way they perceive themselves as being uniquely kind and generous, leading them to virtue signal.
Exploitation of Others’ Needs for Personal Gain: For example, if the communal narcissist learns someone in the community has fallen ill, they might provide support not out of genuine empathy but to be seen as the hero and to garner gratitude and praise.
Image Management through Philanthropy: Another example of disingenuous charity is if a communal narcissist establishes a scholarship fund at their old university, this might be more of a calculated PR strategy to boost their reputation than altruism.
Deconstructing Narcissistic Traits in Relationships
Narcissism can wreak havoc on relationships. It can be incredibly damaging on both the mental and emotional levels and lead to an undermining of one’s identity, trust and self-esteem. Here’s a closer look at how narcissist traits function specifically in relationships.
What Are The 4 Es of Narcissism?
The concept of the “4 E’s” serves as a useful way of condensing narcissistic behaviour so it can be recalled as and when needed. Each ‘E’ provides a unique perspective on the mindset and actions of those with narcissistic tendencies.
Entitlement: Entitlements can be both outward and inward its expression, relating to whether the narcissist is overt or covert in nature. The sense of entitlement can be present in relationships, work and other areas of life.
Exploitation: Exploitation takes the form of manipulating people into fulfilling certain needs, whether these be physical (favours), mental (attention) or emotional (validation). This can be through the use of guilt, deceit or emotional coercion.
Empathy Deficiency: As narcissists are so self-centred, they find it difficult to disconnect from their own overwhelming needs to provide emotional support to others in the form of empathy. They lack emotional awareness, emotional literacy and true emotional intelligence.
Envy: Envy is often a result of the resentment a narcissist may feel towards the success of others, especially if they perceive this is taking away from them receiving attention or admiration. Conversely, they may also feel other people are envious of them reinforcing this narrative.
Types Of Narcissistic Abuse
Narcissistic abuse can take on many forms, each with its own damaging impacts. Let’s explore some of the common tactics a narcissist might use:
Gaslighting: This form of manipulation involves making the victim doubt their own memory, perception, or sanity. The narcissist might deny events, twist the truth, or belittle the victim’s feelings to gain control and maintain their own inflated sense of self.
Love Bombing: Narcissists often use excessive attention and affection to draw in their victims. This could involve grand gestures, constant communication, or intense flattery. The goal is to make the victim feel special, only to later withdraw this affection and use it as a control mechanism.
Triangulation: Here, narcissists bring a third person into their relationship dynamic. This could involve comparing the victim to this person, making the victim feel threatened or insecure, or using this person as an ally in arguments.
Smear Campaigns: Narcissists might attempt to tarnish the victim’s reputation by spreading rumours, false accusations, or twisted truths. This not only discredits the victim but also serves to isolate them from their support network.
Neglect and Dismissal: Sometimes, narcissistic abuse involves neglecting or dismissing the victim’s needs, feelings, or concerns. This can cause the victim to feel unimportant, unheard, and unloved.
