Vulnerable narcissism is a form of narcissism that is characterized by feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and hypersensitivity to criticism. 1 People with this type of narcissism tend to be more vulnerable to rejection and have difficulty forming meaningful relationships.
"There is no single cause of vulnerable narcissism, but it is thought to develop due to early childhood trauma, a dysfunctional family environment, or faulty parenting styles. In some cases, it may be the result of sexual abuse," says Hong.
The vulnerable or Fragile narcissist subtype often experiences issues with fluctuation between high and low self-esteem. These individuals are usually highly vulnerable to criticism and preoccupied with perceived failures. They are often people-pleasers oversensitive to rejection.
The vulnerability of vulnerable narcissists refers to their fragile ego, hypersensitivity, and difficulty to deal with any negative feedback or failure. They are not as able as the grandiose narcissist to use self-enhancement strategies (e.g. positive selective memory and attention) to protect their self-esteem.
Those who are vulnerable narcissists often require an excessive amount of attention and validation from others in order to feel good about themselves. This need for external validation can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety if they don't receive the attention they crave.
Vulnerable narcissists are generally attracted to people who don't trigger their anxiety, and who feed their need to feel superior. This means that people with vulnerable narcissistic personality disorder tend to gravitate towards people who hold their tongues and never criticize them or offer them any feedback.
Mild: A mildly narcissistic person might be egotistical or boastful about their accomplishments but still function well in society.
Malignant narcissism is considered by many to be the most severe type. 2 That's why it helps to recognize when you have someone with this condition in your life and what to expect from interactions with them.
Covert narcissism (also known as vulnerable narcissism) is the more introverted side of NPD. A covert narcissist experiences the same insecurities as an overt narcissist, but internalizes their self-importance, often while hyper-focusing on their need for attention.
A monumental weakness in the narcissist is the failure to look internally and flesh out what needs to be worked on. Then, of course, the next step is to spend time improving. The narcissist sabotages any possibility of looking deep within.
Habitual Non-Listening
Ever spoken with someone who responded dismissively to everything you said? Narcissists brush aside or deprecate what others say instead of truly listening.
Narcissism and its Origins
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.
The development of narcissistic traits is in many cases, a consequence of neglect or excessive appraisal. In some cases, this pathological self-structure arises under childhood conditions of inadequate warmth, approval and excessive idealization, where parents do not see or accept the child as they are.
Being involved with a vulnerable narcissist can be a passionate and intense experience. They may profess their undying love to you and tell you how much they need you. Whilst we all like to feel valued, you may feel completely indispensable to your partner.
Although narcissists act superior, entitled and boastful, underneath their larger-than-life facade lies their greatest fear: That they are ordinary. For narcissists, attention is like oxygen. Narcissists believe only special people get attention.
It comes hand-in-hand with this that narcissists hate being criticised or called out. Which is exactly why there's one word in particular narcissistic people cannot stand: "no".
Malignant narcissists are often regarded as having the most extreme form of NPD, and while they will have the regular qualities of someone with narcissistic personality disorder, their self-absorption and self-obsession is accompanied by some darker behaviors as well.
Cerebral narcissists, also known as intellectual narcissists, are individuals who try to fulfill their narcissistic supply through their perceived intelligence. While intellectual narcissists are generally smart, they may present as if they are more educated than they really are.
Covert narcissism is also known as shy, vulnerable, or closet narcissism. People with this subtype tend not to outwardly demonstrate arrogance or entitlement. Instead, they might put themselves down and seem anxious about what others think of them, rather than exuding charm or confidence.
Sociology. 'Narcissists will isolate themselves, leave their families, ignore others, do anything to preserve a special ... sense of self'.
They will often deploy a variety of narcissistic relationship patterns such as manipulation, charismatic, and exploitational tactics in order to ensure that their own needs and wants are met. As a spouse, you may be the subject of their manipulation and abuse, while your partner treats everyone else positively.
Narcissists use sex and the pretence of emotion to control others. They like to be in control, and often derive pleasure from giving or withdrawing sex or affection to this end. 10. Narcissists are not really capable of feeling guilty, and feel no shame about lying if they think that it will get them what they want.
It is the person who has become codependent (as a result of prior experiences) who is actually most vulnerable to narcissists.