Grandiose narcissism is also known as “overt narcissism.”
People with narcissistic grandiosity have a highly inflated sense of self-importance.
They crave admiration and tend to make social situations all about them.
Getty / Antonio Saba
They can be charming but destructive.
What Does the Term Grandiose Narcissist Mean?
Their haughtiness is highly visible, even showy.
They’re not just propping themselves up, either.
Their inflated sense ofself-esteemoften comes at the expense of relationships or activities that would benefit them in other ways.
Grandiose narcissists tend to bemanipulative, exploitative, and lacking inempathyfor those around them.
They are often highly successful professionally or portray themselves as such."
What Are the Signs of a Grandiose Narcissist?
In the long run, however, their grandiosity often creates more problems than it solves.
What Do Grandiose Narcissists Want?
So, what purpose does narcissistic grandiosity serve?
At their core, grandiose narcissists crave and thrive on admiration, recognition, and validation from other people.
According to Scigliano, “Grandiose narcissists want to feel special, important and admired.
They want to be respected, revered, recognized as superior, and remembered.”
However, grandiose narcissists lack insight into their own behavior and blind themselves to the harm they cause.
Grandiose Narcissism vs.
Vulnerable Narcissism
Grandiose narcissism is different from a vulnerable punch in of narcissism, often known ascovert narcissism.
Vulnerable narcissists are low in self-esteem, often feeling insecure and inadequate.
Feelings ofshame,envy,resentment,inferiority, andself-doubtcharacterize this key in of narcissism.
Research indicates that vulnerable narcissists are more realistic about their abilities compared to grandiose narcissists.
Grandiose narcissists want power, recognition, admiration, and control above all else.
They will do anything to get iteven if it means hurting or manipulating other people in the process.
Both types can react with anger when emotionally challenged.
By doing so, you will be better equipped to manage any toxic behaviors they display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grandiose narcissists are characterized by an excessive need for admiration and recognition.
Living with a grandiose narcissist can haveserious long-term effectson an individual’s mental health, includinganxiety,depressionandlow self-esteem.
NPD can be diagnosed by a mental health professional using the criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR.
Jauk E, Kanske P.Can neuroscience help to understand narcissism?
A systematic review of an emerging field.Personal Neurosci.
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Weinberg I, Ronningstam E.Narcissistic personality disorder: Progress in understanding and treatment.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ).
