Narcissism is on the spectrum and affects people in different ways. There are 8 different types of narcissism, each with their own unique characteristics. At the far end, or highest point, on the spectrum is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which is considered a mental health disorder. Whether a person has narcissism or NPD, it is possible to manage their condition using evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities.
How Many Types of Narcissism Are There?
Research conducted by Dr. Ramani Durvasula resulted in her identifying 8 types of narcissism. Each of these has specific patterns of behaviors that are important to recognize, more so than the name of each type. Narcissists use different defenses and tactics to ensure their needs are met, no matter if they hurt others.
1. Entitled Narcissism
The entitled narcissist feels they should receive special treatment because they are more important than other people. During the COVID pandemic, it seemed like the number of people displaying entitled narcissistic behaviors increased. Even today, encountering entitled narcissists is highly probable because they cannot process situations when they are told “no.”
Entitlement is a learned behavior that children will develop when they are not taught, they do not always get what they want and how to regulate their emotions. When children see their parents displaying entitlement, the behavior is reinforced.
Another way entitled narcissism can develop is when children are exposed to situations where they are rewarded for simply participating. This creates a sense of entitlement because the child believes they deserve special treatment because they participated, so they should be rewarded.
2. Grandiose Narcissism
This type of narcissism is underscored by charisma, vanity, boldness, and a lack of empathy. People who have grandiose narcissism seek attention and are often extroverts. They want people to give them praise and will exploit others for their own benefit without any regard for another’s feelings.
They can also become aggressive and physically abusive when they feel they are not getting the attention they deserve. They also can be domineering and will engage in playing games to ensure they maintain power over others.
3. Neglectful Narcissism
The neglectful narcissist only has interactions with other people when they want something from them. They do not view people as individuals, nor do they have to have an actual relationship with them. Rather, they are a convenience. Once they have what they want from the person, they discard them without any regard for their feelings. Neglectful narcissists also use gaslighting to get what they want and are quick to deny any wrongdoing whatsoever.
4. Covert or Vulnerable Narcissism
Covert or vulnerable narcissism behaviors are usually learned in children as a result of an abusive and neglectful childhood. Cover narcissists can come across as being modest or shy while viewing others as hostile. Their vulnerability comes from these related characteristics:
- Hypersensitivity
- Entitlement
- Passive aggressiveness
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of empathy
- Insecurity
- Resentment towards others
Most covert or vulnerable narcissists use projection to regulate how they feel about themselves. For example, they may feel hostility and will project that onto others. As a result, they will feel like others are being hostile to them and will respond in a hostile manner.
Another characteristic associated with covert or vulnerable narcissists is a sense that others owe them something. They can also be very resentful towards others they perceive as having a better life than they do.
5. Malignant Narcissism
Malignant narcissism is a combination of the symptoms associated with antisocial personality disorder and NPD. A malignant narcissist demands admiration and praise, is unsympathetic, and has an over-inflated sense of self-worth. They can also exhibit these behaviors:
- Aggressiveness
- Paranoia
- Abusiveness
- Manipulation
- Feeling like others are out to get them
The malignant narcissist comes across as charming but will exploit and manipulate others without any remorse for their actions. They tend to view people as a means to get what they want and treat them more like objects that can be disposed of when they are no longer useful.
Additionally, when they have positions of power, they will bend and break the rules to suit their needs. They will also abuse their power to ensure they get what they want.
6. Communal Narcissism
This type of narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self in community settings. Communal narcissists will behave one way in public and another in private. They often come across as being caring and altruistic but instead have their own agenda. Through their actions, they want validation and praise because they often come across as being self-sacrificing.
However, they still have no regard for others’ feelings and will become condescending when others do not give them the praise and validation they believe they deserve. They still believe they are entitled even though it may not always be apparent due to their behaviors in social settings.
For example, they may use social media posts to show how much they are helping others. Then, they will expect praise and validation from others through the number of likes, shares, and comments they receive.
7. Benign Narcissism
Benign narcissism is when the individual with this type of narcissism has narcissistic traits, but they are not as intense or severe as other narcissism types. They can still have a sense of entitlement, lack empathy, and display grandiosity.
However, they often come across as being superficial or immature. They can seem preoccupied and lacking a filter. People with benign narcissism usually only talk about themselves and will take what others are discussing and attempt to make it about them.
8. Generational Narcissism
This type of narcissism is influenced by parents, grandparents, cultural beliefs, and environmental factors. They can be exposed to intergenerational traumas, neglect, and other types of behaviors that reinforce narcissism. They can feel a sense of entitlement, lack empathy for others, and can even dehumanize others so they can be treated as objects and be disposed of when they are no longer wanted or needed.
Those around generational narcissists will often excuse their behaviors because they are familiar with their family history and the traumas they have undergone. Additionally, generational narcissism often overlaps with another type of narcissism and co-occurs.
How to Treat NPD
Treating NPD and the different types of narcissism involves using various types of mental health therapies as part of a comprehensive and personalized treatment program, such as:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy
- CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy)
- DBT (dialectical-behavioral therapy)
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Medication management
Types of Narcissism: Conclusion
Narcissism is a mental health condition that is on the spectrum. Those on the low end can display narcissistic behaviors periodically but are not generally considered to be narcissists. Individuals who tend to be more toward the middle of the spectrum and higher are usually considered to have some level of narcissism. Those on the highest end of the spectrum are considered to have NPD.
Regardless of the type of narcissism a person has, seeking professional treatment helps them learn effective skills and strategies to manage their condition. Treatment also allows the individual to develop meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others while also leading a rewarding life.
Begin Treatment for All Types of Narcissism Today
With locations in Southern California and Arizona, Montare Behavioral Health provides comprehensive and personalized treatment for all types of narcissism and NPD. Our serene and scenic settings offer a safe and secure environment to start your treatment with our caring and supportive staff.
Through our evidence-based and holistic modalities, we can help you better understand the underlying causes of your narcissism and how you can effectively manage your condition. Contact us today for further information about our facilities and treatment programs or to schedule an initial consultation.
