Narcissism has been a topic of study and fascination for decades. Narcissists are a unique group of individuals that can range from people who love to take selfies to individuals who have grandiose aspirations.

The term narcissism comes from Greek mythology. Narcissus was the name of a youth who fell in love with his own reflection and was turned into a flower.

However, there are many forms of narcissism that exist today. We will explore ten forms of narcissism in this article.

1. Grandiose Narcissism

Grandiose narcissists are individuals who are obsessed with their success, status, and power. They view themselves as special and superior to others, with a sense of entitlement to admiration and respect.

They often exaggerate their achievements and may have a tendency to exploit others for their own benefit. Grandiose narcissists have little empathy for others and may struggle with feelings of inadequacy.

2. Vulnerable Narcissism

Vulnerable narcissists are individuals who are preoccupied with their own feelings of inadequacy and are hypersensitive to criticism. They may come across as shy or introverted but are secretly preoccupied with their own image and reputation.

They worry about being rejected or abandoned and may struggle to form close relationships.

3. Malignant Narcissism

Malignant narcissism is a term used to describe individuals who have narcissistic traits combined with antisocial behavior. These individuals may exhibit a lack of empathy, contempt for others, and may engage in malevolent behaviors.

Malignant narcissists may be manipulative, exploitative, and may have a lack of remorse for their actions.

4. Collective Narcissism

Collective narcissism is a form of narcissism that exists within groups or collectives. Collective narcissists are individuals who are obsessed with their group’s success, status, and power.

They view their group as superior to others and may exhibit a lack of empathy or concern for those outside of their group. Collective narcissism can lead to intergroup conflict and prejudice toward members of other groups.

5. Sexual Narcissism

Sexual narcissism is a form of narcissism that is focused on sexuality and sexual experiences. Individuals who exhibit sexual narcissism may have an intense preoccupation with their own sexual prowess or attractiveness.

They may prioritize their own sexual desire over their partner’s desires and may view their partner as an object to be used for their own pleasure. Sexual narcissism can lead to dysfunctional and unhealthy sexual relationships.

6. Spiritual Narcissism

Spiritual narcissism is a form of narcissism that is focused on spiritual or religious experiences. Individuals who exhibit spiritual narcissism may believe they are spiritually superior or enlightened compared to others.

They may view themselves as a spiritual leader or guru and may exploit their followers for their own gain. Spiritual narcissism can lead to spiritual abuse.

7. Covert Narcissism

Covert narcissism is a form of narcissism where an individual may appear shy or introverted but is secretly preoccupied with their own image and reputation. Covert narcissists may struggle to form intimate relationships and may have low self-esteem.

They may be hypersensitive to criticism and may have difficulty handling rejection or failure.

8. Cerebral Narcissism

Cerebral narcissism is a form of narcissism that is focused on intellectual superiority.

Individuals who exhibit cerebral narcissism may believe they are intellectually superior to others and may have a tendency to look down on those with less education or intelligence. They may prioritize their own intelligence over interpersonal relationships and may have difficulty relating to others.

9. Corporate Narcissism

Corporate narcissism is a form of narcissism that exists within organizations or corporations. Individuals who exhibit corporate narcissism may be obsessed with achieving success and attaining power within their organization.

They may prioritize their own success over the success of their team and may engage in unethical behaviors to achieve their goals. Corporate narcissism can lead to toxic workplace environments.

10. Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder that is characterized by a pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

Individuals with NPD have an inflated sense of self-importance and may exaggerate their achievements and talents. They may be preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, and attractiveness. Individuals with NPD may struggle to form close relationships and may engage in manipulative behaviors.

Conclusion

Narcissism can take many forms, and it’s important to recognize the different types of narcissism and their impact on both individuals and society.

Individuals with narcissistic traits may struggle with interpersonal relationships and may engage in maladaptive behaviors that can harm others. Understanding the different forms of narcissism can help individuals and mental health professionals recognize and address these issues.