According to Psychology Today
Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, according to the DSM-5, exhibit five or more of the following, which are present by early adulthood and across contexts:
- A grandiose sense of self-importance
- Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
- Belief that one is special and can only be understood by or associate with special people or institutions
- A need for excessive admiration
- A sense of entitlement (to special treatment)
- Exploitation of others
- A lack of empathy
- Envy of others or the belief that one is the object of envy
- Arrogant, haughty behavior or attitudes
In this post we are going to explore the 4 main types of Narcissistic traits. Not all narcissists have the same characteristic traits, in fact, they can be a combination of the traits listed below. Narcissists can be a combination of the straits listed below.
- Overt/Grandiose
- Covert
- Malignant
- Collective/Communal
Overt/Grandiose
The overt or grandiose narcissist is the most obvious to recognize. They are arrogant, typically loud, assertive, they portray an inflated sense of self worth and they are overly confident. They love to brag about themselves, tell stories to impress others, and most of their stories are based upon lies. They have a strong sense of entitlement, superiority and an inflated view of themselves. They won’t think twice about exploiting others to get what they want or to protect their true identity. Like all narcissists, they are unable to truly love and connect with others.
Covert
The covert narcissist is the passive aggressive narcissist. They are a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They tend to be hypersensitive to criticism towards themselves, but not towards you. Like the overt narcissist, the covert narcissist has the same strong sense of entitlement, superiority and inflated ego. The covert narcissist is a chameleon, changing who they are and their interests, to mirror yours. They take no responsibility for their actions and they will turn the truth around to suit their needs. They feel as though the world doesn’t understand their greatness and that everyone is beneath them. They disrespect boundaries, they lie, cheat and steal. The covert narcissist will manipulate those around them to cause their victim to feel insecure, but this is done in a covert way that isn’t obvious to the victim. The covert narcissist’s words never match their actions. They love to cause conflict on the holidays and special events. They know what your weaknesses are and they will stop at nothing to make you upset, in fact, they delight in watching you break. Sex with them is one sided, you serve and they take. There is no emotional bond or connection with them.
Malignant
The malignant narcissist tends to be very controlling, anti-social, deceitful, obsessive, addicted to drugs or alcohol, violent, physically and emotionally abusive. They will stop at nothing to get what they want. They will steal, cheat and lie to achieve their desires. They tend to be outspoken, courageous and power driven. They feel as though everyone is out to get them and they will accuse their victim of what they are doing. They tend to be unethical professionally and they are motivated by power and success. In the early stages of the relationship, they will make you feel adored, cherished and loved, like never before. After they have you hooked, the abuse begins and they will stop at nothing to destroy you.
Collective
The collective narcissist is all about their social status and the importance of the groups that they belong to. They are out to save the world and they want everyone to know of their greatness and their dedication to their unique cause. Collective narcissism is a self-defensive behavior due to unfulfilled self-entitlement.
The truth about all narcissists is that they are nothing like what they portray. They lack self confident, they are insecure and they are self loathing.
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Group 