Narcissistic traits are a common occurrence in society and have been studied widely by psychologists. However, not all types of narcissism manifest in the same way. Let’s take an in-depth look at the different types of narcissistic traits that exist.

Grandiose Narcissism

Grandiose narcissism is the most known of the different types of narcissistic traits. People with grandiose narcissism typically consider themselves superior to others. They’re overly confident, have a sense of entitlement, and lack empathy.

They typically have an exaggerated sense of their abilities and expect others to cater to their needs.

A person with grandiose narcissism desires power, prestige, and wealth. They need the validation that comes from admiration. For them, the admiration of others is proof of their superiority.

Often, they will engage in behaviors to attract attention, even if it means putting others down or belittling them.

Vulnerable Narcissism

Vulnerable narcissism is a type of narcissism that appears outwardly different from grandiose narcissism. However, it is still just as damaging and self-centered. In this type of narcissism, people tend to be very insecure and unsure of themselves.

They will often base their self-esteem on external validation. These people are always seeking approval and affirmation from others. They have a fragile sense of self and are easily threatened or hurt, even by minor criticisms.

A person with vulnerable narcissism will also engage in tactics to obtain attention and validation, such as being a perpetual victim.

They may be overly focused on their own struggles and issues and expect others to offer comfort and support, often at the expense of other people’s well-being. They’re also very sensitive to perceived slights or insults, making it difficult for people to communicate with them effectively.

Malignant Narcissism

Malignant narcissism is a dangerous subtype of narcissism characterized by a combination of narcissism, antisocial personality disorder, and paranoid traits.

People with malignant narcissism are often aggressive and vindictive, with little regard for the well-being of others. They often display a lack of empathy and will use others to get ahead in life.

A person with malignant narcissism will typically exhibit grandiose traits, but their behavior is often much more extreme. They’re often manipulative and exploitative, and they use others to gain power, status, or material possessions.

They will go to great lengths to maintain control and dominance over others, often engaging in behavior that is immoral or illegal to get what they want.

Echoist Narcissism

Echoist narcissism is characterized by selflessness, shyness, and a desire to please others. People with this subtype of narcissism have very little sense of their individual identity, and they are often unsure of their value in the world.

They have an unhealthy need to put others first, often at the expense of their own well-being.

A person with echoist narcissism may struggle with low self-esteem, feeling unworthy of the attention of others. They often subsume their identity to become more like the people around them, sometimes to the point of losing themselves altogether.

They will often go to great lengths to help others, even when it’s not in their best interest and may ignore their own needs in the process.

Convert Narcissism

Covert or vulnerable narcissism is a type of narcissism displayed by people that don’t show any grandiose aspects, unlike grandiose narcissism. In many cases, people with covert narcissism are extremely sensitive to criticism and may be very anxious.

They tend to be very shy and introverted, avoiding social situations as much as possible.

People with covert narcissism are also often insecure about themselves and have a weak sense of self-esteem. They may feel that they are not good enough and seek validation and attention from others.

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They will often engage in behaviors such as seeking pity or using tactics such as playing the victim to gain the spotlight.

Overt Narcissism

The name is an indication of the difference between overt narcissism and covert narcissism. Those with overt narcissism display it outwardly. Overt narcissists are often loud, arrogant, and self-absorbed, making them difficult to ignore.

They often showcase their accomplishments, seek attention and praise from others. They can come across as rude or dismissive of others’ feelings and opinions.

Overt narcissists are confident in their abilities and don’t need validation from others in the same way as others subtypes do. They believe that they’re the most important person in the room and need to be the center of attention.

Somatic Narcissism

Somatic narcissism is a subtype of narcissism that is focused on physical appearance. People with somatic narcissism are preoccupied with their looks, often excessively pursuing aesthetic adjustments such as bodybuilding, cosmetic surgeries, etc.

This subtype of narcissism is more common in men than women.

A person with somatic narcissism will also be constantly talking about their fitness routine, weight loss, and appearance.

They dedicate a lot of time to the care of their appearance to appear more physically attractive to capture attention and admiration from others.

Cerebral Narcissism

Cerebral narcissism, also known as intellectual narcissism, is a subtype of narcissism that focuses on mental prowess. The focus is on intelligence and accruing knowledge.

People with cerebral narcissism believe they are intellectually superior to others and will point it out. They will showcase their intelligence by regularly discussing their accomplishments, credentials, degrees, etc.

A person with cerebral narcissism will often engage in behavior such as condescension to less intelligent people. They often engage in intellectual debate, not because of the love of knowledge but the need to display their intelligence.

Communal Narcissism

Communal narcissism is a type of narcissism that is a reaction to boundary violations. They tend to come across as pretty humble and put their interests or goals behind others, but when boundaries are violated, they get defensive, and may even attack.

When people with communal narcissism have a lack of validation or simply do not accept explicit boundaries, they become critical, aggressive, and nasty.

They often criticize others for not doing what they want them to, even though those people have their priorities and goals, leading to an inflated and genuine sense of adversity.

Awareness of Narcissistic Traits

While it’s important to recognize and understand the different types of narcissistic traits that exist, it’s also important to be careful not to apply these labels too liberally.

Not every person who displays selfish or self-centered tendencies is a narcissist. It’s important to differentiate everyday selfishness from genuine personality disorders.

Recognizing where and how individuals fit into these categories of narcissism can be beneficial to help them recover and improve their relationships.

It’s also essential for individuals in relationships with those who have some of these attributes to know how to deal with them and set appropriate boundaries.

Working with a mental health professional can help individuals who believe that they display any of these narcissistic traits.

With attention and guidance, it is possible to create a healthier and more productive personality for both the individual and those around them.