Are there different levels of narcissists?

Narcissism can exist at different levels of severity, and malignant narcissism is a more severe form. It can also cause more problems for the person living with it. Malignant narcissism is more closely connected to overt than covert narcissism.

What is an elitist narcissist?

Elitist narcissist: This is closest to the pure definition of a narcissist, wherein the affected individual believes them self superior to all others and acts in ways that indicate they are convicted of their own elevated social standing, even if it is pure delusion.

Why are narcissists obsessed with status?

According to the researchers’ Status Pursuit in Narcissism (SPIN) model, narcissism — a personality trait characterized by a heightened sense of self-importance and entitlement to special treatment — is the result of individual differences in the regulatory processes and behaviors surrounding the pursuit of social …

How does hierarchical thinking relate to narcissistic abuse?

Hierarchical thinking leads to comparisons because it is so important for narcissists to clearly understand who to idealize and who can safely be ignored. This means that if you know someone who is constantly comparing one person to another, this could be a sign of NPD.

What does it feel like to be a narcissist?

Inside, the person feels very insecure about his or her actual self-worth. This façade of superiority is so thin, that it is like a helium balloon—one small pinprick will deflate it. This makes the person hypersensitive to minor slights that someone with healthy narcissism would not even notice.

Why are narcissists difficult to sustain intimate relationships?

All of this makes it hard for Narcissists to sustain serious intimate relationships after the early stages of a relationship because: They are continually trying to prove that they are superior. They tend to misperceive and overreact to other people’s behavior. They are extremely self-centered.

What is the difference between normal and pathological narcissism?

Normal narcissism causes us to care about ourselves, do things that are in our real self-interest, and is associated with genuine self-respect. One can think of it is something that is inside us. Pathological, Defensive Narcissism: This is a defense against feelings of inferiority.

What are the characteristics of a hierarchical person?

Hierarchical Thinking: They place every person, every place, and every object that catches their attention on a hierarchy from lowest to highest according to some status marker that they value. With regard to people, they tend to be deferential and super nice to those people that they consider above them.