Lately I’ve been encountering it again and again – the question:
Is this simply thoughtless recklessness or already narcissism?
What is it about the exaggerated identification with one’s own ego that leaves no room for others?
After observing the phenomena and people of our time for some time, I became more and more interested in the topic and finally found the following diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder* in Kristin Dombek’s essay on narcissism “The Selfishness of Others”, which I would like to share with you here:
“Basically, the person describes a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy. The onset is in early adulthood, and the pattern shows up in a variety of situations. At least five of the following criteria must be met:
- Has a grandiose sense of own importance (e.g., exaggerates own accomplishments and talents; expects to be recognized as superior without corresponding accomplishments).
- Is strongly obsessed with their own fantasies of boundless success, power, splendor, beauty and ideal love.
- Believes themselves to be “special” and unique and that they can only be understood by or associate with other special or prestigious people (or institutions).
- Demands excessive admiration.
- Exhibits a sense of entitlement (i.e., exaggerated expectations of preferential treatment or automatically responding to one’s own expectations).
- Is exploitative in interpersonal relationships (i.e. takes advantage of others to achieve own goals).
- Shows a lack of empathy: Is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
- Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him/her.
- Exhibits arrogant, overbearing behaviors or attitudes.”
Do you recognize these or similar behavioral patterns in people you know from the media or your personal environment?
Observe your own reactions to their behavior. What does it do to you?
We can’t change people, but we can learn how to deal with them. Special strategies help us to escape their manipulative clutches.
If you are interested in this topic, I look forward to hearing from you. Of course, I am also happy to discuss other issues 🙂
*(Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition 2013, American Psychiatric Association, German version 2015, Hogrefe Verlag)
