Sexual narcissism is a personality disorder in which an individual takes pleasure in receiving sexual admiration and expresses an inflated sense of their own sexual abilities.

People with sexual narcissism often seek out partners who will admire, please and serve them sexually. They may also use sex to manipulate their partners and gain control over them. This behavior can lead to an unfulfilling and often harmful sexual relationship for their partner.

What is Sexual Narcissism?

Sexual narcissism is a type of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) in which an individual has an excessive preoccupation with their own sexual performance and desires, and the pleasure they receive from it.

This type of narcissism is characterized by a lack of empathy and a sense of entitlement to special treatment.

People with sexual narcissism view sex as a tool for their own pleasure and often use it as a way to manipulate their partners.

They may engage in sexual behaviors that are harmful, degrading, or even illegal, without regard for their partner’s well-being. They may also engage in cheating or other forms of sexual infidelity, as their desire for sexual conquest and admiration often exceeds their ability to remain loyal or faithful.

The Symptoms of Sexual Narcissism

Sexual narcissism is often characterized by many of the same symptoms as traditional NPD, including:.

An excessive sense of self-importance
A need for admiration and attention
Lack of empathy for others
A grandiose sense of entitlement
A belief that they are unique and special
A need for control and power over others

In addition to these general symptoms, sexual narcissism may also present with the following signs:.

An obsession with sexual performance or appearance
A history of promiscuity or multiple sexual partners
A disregard for sexual boundaries
An inability to take responsibility for their own sexual behavior
A lack of concern for their partner’s sexual satisfaction or well-being

The Causes of Sexual Narcissism

The causes of sexual narcissism are complex and not well understood. However, some researchers suggest that it may be related to early childhood experiences in which a child was made to feel special or superior, leading to a sense of entitlement.

Others suggest that it may be related to abuse, neglect, or trauma.

Some argue that cultural factors may also contribute, such as the promotion of sexual promiscuity and objectification in the media.

In addition, the modern dating culture of swiping, hooking up, and the search for instant gratification can fuel the behavior of sexual narcissism.

The Impact of Sexual Narcissism on Relationships

The impact of sexual narcissism on relationships can be devastating for the partner involved. The partner may feel used, unseen, unheard, unimportant, and dehumanized.

The sexual narcissist is focused on their own pleasure and often disregards their partner’s feelings and needs. This can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and other psychological problems for the partner.

Sexual narcissism can also cause problems in other areas of the relationship, such as communication and trust. The partner may feel like they are walking on eggshells and cannot express their needs or desires, for fear of being judged or rejected.

The partner may also struggle with trust issues, as sexual narcissists are often unfaithful and may engage in non-consensual sexual activities or experiments.

Getting Help for Sexual Narcissism

Getting help for sexual narcissism is important not only for the individual but also for their partner. It requires a willingness to seek help and engage in therapy or other forms of treatment.

Individuals with sexual narcissism may need to work on developing empathy, learning how to communicate effectively, and recognizing the needs of others in their relationships.

For those who have been in a relationship with a sexual narcissist, it is important to seek help as well. It can be difficult to recover from the trauma of abuse, but with the right support, it is possible to heal and move forward.

Support groups, counseling, and therapy can all be helpful resources in the recovery process.

Conclusion

Sexual narcissism is a type of narcissistic personality disorder in which an individual expresses an excessive preoccupation with their own sexual performance and desires.

People with sexual narcissism often seek out partners who will admire, please, and serve them sexually, and may use sex to manipulate and control their partners. This behavior can cause significant harm to their partner, leading to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trust issues.

Getting help for sexual narcissism can be a challenging process, but with the right support, it is possible for individuals to heal and move forward.