Key Verse: "For I say, through the
grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of
himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly,
according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
- Romans 12:3 KJV
Narcissism and pride are related concepts, but they differ in their nature and implications. Research indicates that unhealthy pride, particularly arrogant pride, can be a precursor to narcissism. While not everyone with unhealthy pride develops narcissism, addressing and managing this trait can prevent it from escalating into a more severe condition. [1, 2, 3]
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), at least five of the following traits must be exhibited to meet the diagnostic criteria for NPD: [4, 5]
- Grandiose sense of self-importance, often exaggerated achievements and talents.
- Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
- Belief that they are "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people.
- Need for excessive admiration.
- Sense of entitlement, unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment.
- Interpersonally exploitative behavior, seeing others as tools for personal gain.
- Lack of empathy, difficulty recognizing or identifying with the feelings and needs of others.
- Envy of others or belief that others are envious of them.
- Arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.
In addition, narcissists are known for being controlling. They often use various tactics to maintain control over others, including manipulation, shaming, and projection. These behaviors are driven by their need to avoid experiencing their own shame and to maintain their sense of superiority and control. Narcissists may also engage in undermining a person's confidence and increasing their feelings of shame to make themselves feel better about themselves. [5, 7]
Narcissists may also exhibit manipulative behavior, such as gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and playing the victim, to control others and achieve their goals. Their controlling nature extends beyond romantic relationships and can be observed in various dynamics, including workplace, friendships, and family settings. [8, 9]
Also, narcissists are known for their habitual lying, which serves various purposes. They lie to avoid accountability, manipulate others, and maintain control over their victims. This behavior is often rooted in their need to protect a false self-image and shield themselves from perceived vulnerabilities. [10, 11, 12, 13]
Understanding the narcissists and their tactics can help protect individuals from the invalidation and mistreatment commonly inflicted by narcissists.
Sources:
- Unhealthy Pride the Root of Narcissism
- A brief tale of the two faces of narcissism and the two facets of pride
- Ho, S., Tong, E. W., & Jia, L. (2016). Authentic and hubristic pride: Differential effects on delay of gratification. Emotion, 16(8), 1147-1156. doi:10.1037/emo0000179 via PD
- Narcissistic personality disorder
- 9 Signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- The Shocking Ways Narcissists Manipulate their Partners
- Narcissism: Symptoms and Signs
- How to Deal With a Narcissist: 9 Strategies for Disarming Narcissistic Control
- 14 Signs You’re Dealing With a Narcissist
- Why Do Narcissists Always Lie?
- Why A Narcissist Lies And What It Says About Them
- The Narcissist and His Lies: How They're Different
- Why Do Narcissist So Blatantly?
