Grandiose Narcissist
This blog post feels redundant even before I write it. Is there anything new to be added to the thousands of articles written about the grandiose type of Narcissism? Prior to my own awakening on how covert some narcissists operate; the grandiose types always seemed so well…grandiose.
Before listing out the various characteristics, its important to communicate the difference between those who is self-absorbed and those individuals who are clinically disordered. Psychological terms have been integrated into the cultural framework and utilized as adjectives to describe people they don’t like. The pursuit of self-love has become distorted to the point where much of the culture doesn’t see narcissistic characteristics negatively.
NPD is a serious personality dysfunction in which the actions of the disordered are not a choice; but an inherent characteristic weaved into their identities. This is exactly what makes their actions so dangerous and the intimate relationships with them so toxic.
DSM5 defines Narcissistic Personality Disorder as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
Grandiose sense of self-importance (exaggerates achievements and talents, expected to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
Believes that he or she is ‘special’ and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
Requires excessive admiration.
Has a sense of entitlement (unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations).
Is interpersonally exploitative (takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends).
Lacks empathy, is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
I often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.
Those that have dealt with vulnerable types of narcissists know that all of these characteristics are present right under the surface, but the grandiose type of narcissist doesn’t seem concerned with hiding those characteristics that the majority of society sees as distasteful; they actually seem proud of them.
The Wolf of Wall Street clip is not owned by me; and is being utilized as an educational tool to give a artistic interpretation of a grandiose narcissist in action.
