What is Narcissism? A Simple Explanation

A woman sitting with her head in her hands, symbolizing emotional distress and challenges in relationships, as discussed in the blog post "What is Narcissism? A Simple Explanation."

Narcissism is a term that often gets thrown around, but what does it really mean? At its core, narcissism refers to a personality trait that involves an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant desire for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While it’s commonly used to describe people who seem overly focused on themselves, narcissism can range from mild self-centeredness to a more severe psychological condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

The basics of narcissism

Narcissistic individuals typically have a grandiose view of themselves. They believe they are special, unique, or superior to others and often expect admiration and validation. This need for attention and praise can influence their behavior in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, and social interactions. However, narcissism isn’t just about bragging or showing off. Many narcissists struggle with low self-esteem and insecurity beneath the surface. They crave admiration because it helps them feel better about themselves, but they are often deeply sensitive to criticism, feeling threatened by anything that challenges their sense of superiority (Morf & Rhodewalt, 2001).

How is narcissism different from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Narcissism encompasses traits like self-centeredness, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, which can vary in intensity among individuals. While these traits alone are not necessarily harmful, extreme narcissism can develop into Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), a diagnosable mental health condition marked by pervasive patterns of grandiosity, entitlement, and difficulty forming healthy relationships. Unlike everyday narcissistic traits, which can coexist with healthy self-worth and confidence to help people achieve goals and build resilience, NPD significantly impacts daily functioning and interpersonal connections. Individuals with NPD often struggle with empathy, may exploit others for validation, and can exhibit manipulative or harmful behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Narcissism in everyday life

Narcissistic traits show up in many places. You might encounter narcissistic behavior in someone who constantly talks about their achievements, needs constant praise, or gets upset when they aren’t the center of attention. In more severe cases, a person might manipulate situations or people to get what they want without concern for others’ feelings or well-being. At the same time, it’s important to understand that not everyone who displays narcissistic traits has a disorder. In fact, some level of self-focus is normal and even healthy—it helps us take care of ourselves and pursue our goals. The problem arises when the need for validation becomes excessive and leads to harmful interactions with others.

In summary, narcissism is about how we view and interact with the world in relation to ourselves. While some level of self-esteem is important, an extreme need for admiration and a lack of empathy can lead to problems, both for the narcissist and those around them. Understanding narcissism can help us navigate relationships, recognize unhealthy behaviors, and foster more positive connections.

If you or someone you know have a toxic relationship with someone whom you believe is narcissistic or has NPD, and want guidance on how to handle the relationship, contact us to get started with therapy.

*Disclaimer: The content posted on this website is for marketing and educational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, psychotherapy or a replacement for mental health treatment. Please seek the advice of your licensed medical or mental health professional, and do not avoid seeking treatment based on anything read on this website.