Most, if not all, of us demonstrate narcissistic tendencies over time. However, NPD is relatively rare. The estimated prevalence of NPD in the community is around 1%, although some studies say up to 6%.
The condition called narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, affects only about 1 percent of the population, a figure that has remained about the same since the term was established in 1968.
How common is narcissistic personality disorder? Experts estimate that up to 5% of people have NPD. Narcissism is one of 10 personality disorders. These disorders cause people to think, feel and behave in ways that hurt themselves or others.
Forthcoming in the journal Psychological Bulletin, the study compiled 31 years of narcissism research and found that men consistently scored higher in narcissism across multiple generations and regardless of age.
Studies indicate empathy is declining and the trait of narcissism is on the rise. People are becoming more selfish, and seeing less benefit in being empathic (see, “Entitled? Lack Empathy? Research Shows There are Benefits”). Perhaps this is the logical brain overrunning the evolutionary one.
Psychologically speaking, narcissism is a personality trait that every person possesses to some degree. Like any characteristic, it exists on a spectrum. We all fall somewhere along the narcissism continuum.
“Psychologically speaking, narcissism is a personality trait that every person possesses to some degree. Like any characteristic, it exists on a spectrum. We all fall somewhere along the narcissism continuum.”
The cause is likely complex. Narcissistic personality disorder may be linked to: Environment — parent-child relationships with either too much adoration or too much criticism that don't match the child's actual experiences and achievements. Genetics — inherited characteristics, such as certain personality traits.
Often, NPD will begin in the teenage years or early adulthood. Personality disorders are typically diagnosed at 18 years or older, according to Hallett.
Grandiosity is the defining characteristic of narcissism. More than just arrogance or vanity, grandiosity is an unrealistic sense of superiority. Narcissists believe they are unique or “special” and can only be understood by other special people. What's more, they are too good for anything average or ordinary.
Narcissism can run on this same continuum and there are people who have traits of narcissism that are beneficial to their functioning and not damaging to those around them. Not all narcissists are bad. Narcissistic personality traits include a sense of entitlement, grandiosity, and feelings of superiority.
Narcissism is a serious disorder, yet the term is often overused and misapplied. Some "narcissistic" traits may actually be signs of warranted confidence and self-esteem. The tendency to see narcissism hiding everywhere can make everyday conflicts worse.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatment
There is no cure, but therapy can help. The goal is to build up the person's poor self-esteem and have more realistic expectations of others. Treatment usually centers on talk therapy. Sometimes people call this psychotherapy.
The essence of healthy narcissism is the ability to invest love in oneself and other people. Thus it is devoid of the drive to exploit and cause harm to others as seen in narcissistic personality disorder, in which love is self-directed only. He distinguishes trait narcissism as separate from pathological narcissism.
A true narcissist is unlikely to become an empathic and selfless individual. However, if a narcissist believes their behavior is harmful to others and themselves, wants to change, and is willing to actively participate in therapy, some change can occur.
Narcissists are fully aware that they are narcissistic and have a reputation as such. Narcissists would rather be admired than liked. Narcissists are masters at making first impressions, leading them to do better with short-term relationships.
Narcissism tends to emerge as a psychological defence in response to excessive levels of parental criticism, abuse or neglect in early life. Narcissistic personalities tend to be formed by emotional injury as a result of overwhelming shame, loss or deprivation during childhood.
According to Thomaes & Brummelman, the development of narcissism begins at around the ages of 7 or 8. This is the time when children begin to evaluate themselves according to how they perceive others. Although narcissism comes partly down to genes, it is also impacted by the environment.
Narcissism is addressed in the Bible in Paul's second pastoral epistle to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:1-7) in the fall of A.D.67. Paul seems to be concerned about the character and behavior of leaders within the church, so he warns Timothy to beware of those who act out of a “self love attitude”.
Narcissism is positively associated with self-assessed intelligence, but not objective intelligence.
The opposite of a narcissist is called an 'empath'— here are the signs you could be one. People who are very receptive to the emotions of others are known as empaths. They are also very sensitive to noise, smell, and being around people. This means they are overwhelmed in crowds, and get exhausted in social situations.
Genetics may also play a role in contributing to narcissistic personality disorder. In a 2014 study involving 304 pairs of twins, researchers found that some NPD traits were somewhat heritable (aka able to be passed on through genetics): grandiosity was 23% heritable. entitlement was 35% heritable.
Calling someone a narcissist means placing them beyond the reach of empathy: They don't feel it and so you don't have to either.
In reality, they likely have no true understanding of the disorder and its potential to drive someone to behave abusively without remorse. Instead, many think an ex must be a narcissist simply because they dared to leave their relationship, or perhaps acted arrogantly when they were together.
Episode Summary. We may not identify as a narcissist but unknowingly, we may have narcissistic traits that are off-putting to others and can lead to unpleasant and unfavorable situations. The same goes for the people who we have close relationships with that display narcissistic tendencies.