Narcissism is a personality trait built around a need to feel special and admired. In everyday speech the word has become an insult for anyone selfish, but psychologists use it more precisely: a pattern of grandiosity, entitlement and a hunger for validation, measured on a scale from low to high in everyone.
| At a glance | Narcissism |
|---|---|
| Part of | The Dark Triad |
| Core motive | Protecting and boosting a special self-image |
| Key features | Grandiosity, entitlement, need for admiration |
| Clinical form | Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), estimated at about 1% of adults |
| Opposite tendency | Humility and humanism |
Where The Word Comes From
The name comes from Narcissus, a young man in Greek myth, retold by the Roman poet Ovid, who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool. Sigmund Freud wrote about narcissism in 1914, and the American Psychiatric Association added narcissistic personality disorder to its manual in 1980. In 1979, Robert Raskin and Calvin Hall created the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, which made it possible to study narcissism as a normal trait in the general population.
Two Faces: Grandiose And Vulnerable
Research now separates two quite different forms.
| Grandiose narcissism | Vulnerable narcissism | |
|---|---|---|
| Outward style | Bold, charming, dominant | Shy, defensive, easily hurt |
| Self-esteem | High on the surface | Low and fragile |
| Reaction to criticism | Anger or dismissal | Shame, resentment, withdrawal |
| Social life | Seeks the spotlight | Feels overlooked and envious |
| Link with other traits | Extraversion | Neuroticism and anxiety |
Both forms share entitlement: a belief that you deserve special treatment. Psychologist Joshua Miller and colleagues argue that entitlement and antagonism are the heart of narcissism, while bold self-confidence is only part of the grandiose form.
Where Narcissism Comes From
There is no single cause. Studies point to a mix of:
- Genes. Twin studies suggest roughly 40% to 60% of the variation in narcissism is heritable.
- Parenting. A Dutch study by Eddie Brummelman and colleagues in 2015 found that children whose parents overvalued them, believing they were more special than other children, became more narcissistic over time. Warmth, by contrast, predicted healthy self-esteem.
- Culture. Individualistic cultures that reward self-promotion may encourage grandiose traits, though claims of a “narcissism epidemic” among young people are disputed.
Narcissism Across Life
Narcissism tends to peak in adolescence and early adulthood and to decline with age. A long-term study led by Eunike Wetzel, published in 2020, followed people for over 20 years and found that most became less narcissistic as they took on adult roles such as careers and family.
Is Narcissism Always Bad?
Not entirely. Grandiose narcissists often make strong first impressions and are more likely to emerge as leaders in new groups. But the advantage fades. Over time, people tend to see them as arrogant, and research links high narcissism with risky decisions, poor teamwork and fragile relationships.
Narcissism Versus Narcissistic Personality Disorder
A high score on a personality test is not the same as NPD. The disorder involves a long-standing, inflexible pattern that causes real harm to the person or others, and it can only be diagnosed by a qualified professional. Most people with high narcissistic traits do not have the disorder.
Explore Narcissism Further
- Signs of narcissism: 15 behaviours to look for.
- How to deal with a narcissist: practical strategies.
- Narcissism in relationships: the typical cycle and how to protect yourself.
Measure your own level with the narcissism test or see all six traits in the Dark Triad test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a narcissist change?
Traits shift slowly, and most people become less narcissistic with age. Therapy can help people who want to change, especially with empathy and handling criticism.
Do narcissists know they are narcissists?
Often, yes. Studies by Erika Carlson found that people high in narcissism tend to know others see them as arrogant, though they may see it as a sign of their superiority.
Is narcissism more common in men?
Slightly. A large 2015 analysis found men score somewhat higher, mainly on entitlement and the drive for leadership.
For education only. Not a diagnosis. If someone’s behaviour is harming you, consider speaking to a counsellor or support service.