Narcissism Research Paper

According to the article Modernity and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (2014) by Joel Paris, narcissistic personality disorder is a pathological amplification of narcissistic traits. This means that unlike a normal person, the traits in a narcissistic person that defines their personality are usually increased from a 1 to a 10. They are always the “self-absorbed” guy in the crowd.

Research into the darker side of human nature has increased exponentially, drawing particular interest into the Dark Triad of personality (Aghababaei & Błachnio, 2015). The Dark Triad consists of the three similar, but distinct constructs: Narcissism, Machiavellianism and subclinical psychopathy (Paulhus & Williams, 2002). Narcissism is a personality trait related with elevated levels of self interest, grandiosity and sense of entitlement (Campbell, Rudich, & Sedikides, 2002). Psychopathy, on the other hand is characterised by high impulsivity, lack of empathy and irresponsibility (Poythress & Hall, 2011). Machiavellianism is marked by duplicity and manipulation (Jones & Paulhus, 2011). All three constructs are associated with a socially aversive style of interaction, correlated with negative emotional, social and legal implications for both the individual and others (Furnham, Richards, & Paulhus, 2013). Due to the phenotypical similarity in their anti-social style of interaction; the three constructs appear to be deceptively equivalent, when they are in fact distinct. Some theorists support unificationist approach, which presents the constructs as equivalent by drawing evidence from evolutionary theory and the Big Five personality model. On the other hand, multiple theorists cite research from behaviour and genetics studies, to highlight the distinct nature of the three constructs. This essay will argue that the three constructs are distinct by presenting and critically

This paper will aim to define narcissistic personality disorder as a whole. The document will cover the topics of symptoms, prevalence, and contributing factor. In addition to covering the general description of the disorder the paper will present a case study to provide a clearer image of the parameters of NPD. 2 scientific studies will be presented in order to offer empirical data regarding NPD and to add knowledge recently acquired through experimentation.

The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual describes personality disorders as being a pattern of enduring behavior and internal experiences that tends to digress a significant amount from the individual’s cultural and societal standards (Sadock, Kaplan & Sadock, 2015). This personality disorder is diagnosed in the presence of grandiosity and the need to be admired and appreciated. There is a chronic lack of empathy as well as inflated self-esteem and the belief that one is entitled to the adoration of others. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster B, showcasing more erratic and emotional behavior which can be seen in the film American Psycho.

Although someone diagnosed with NPD may seem to have this overconfidence, those individuals have low self-esteems and negative criticism are not their cup of tea. What society tends to call those with NPD are cocky, arrogant, conceited, or “big-headed.” NPD individuals look down on others and try to belittle others. Individuals with NPD tend to take over in the presence of conversations, they have a sense of entitlement, and if those with NPD does not get their way or special treatment, they will become angry. Further researched proved that narcissism have a

Narcissism is defined as the love of ones self. Sigmund Freud was the first to use the word to characterize certain character traits. He got the word from the Greek mythological legend Narcissus who saw his reflection in water and fell in love with himself. Freud suggests that all of us have a bit of self love, but when self love goes extreme it can be a problem and is considered a pathological problem. Nora from “The Doll House,” only exuded narcissistic behavior because she was treated like a doll. She was spoiled and only thought that that was how she was supposed to behave in order to get what she wanted or to please the men in her

The obsession of interacting with higher authority figures displays a complete disregard for fellow coworkers, as though they do not deserve his attention. These illusions are a part of a narcissistic personality disorder. Luis (n.d.) displays many symptoms but a clinician may require an evaluation that seeks five symptoms or more before diagnosing Luis with narcissistic personality disorder (APA, 1994). The lack of patience for others (n.d.) is a sign of a lack of empathy, another indicator of the disorder (para. 5). Coworkers describe Luis as taking advantage of others for his own success. All of these descriptions are clear indicators that Luis suffers from a narcissistic personality disorder; he does not have a compassionate nature, he profiles himself as upper management, he associates with others only to benefit himself, he displays an arrogant attitude by boasting achievements and the purchase of material items, and he expects everyone to treat him as though he is a part of upper management.

He is the person most insensitive to his true needs. The narcissist will have a pattern of (grandiosity), the need for admiration, and lack empathy, that will be present in early adulthood.

For instance, when working in a corporation, it is typical to have confidence and be willing to use others to climb up the corporate ladder. Samantha Sutton, a life coach, claimed, “Researchers found that people who have the ‘Dark Triad’ of personality traits--narcissism, manipulation, and psychopathy-- may advance their careers more quickly than those who do not.” This is understandable, because narcissists have high self-esteem, manipulators know what their goals are, and psychopaths do not feel guilt for their actions. Regarding other types of mental disorders, psychiatrist Neel Burton in his article, “The Meaning of Madness,” addressed other mental disorders and how it could potentially help the person. He claims, “‘Depressive realism’ may enable some people with depression...to see the world more accurately and to judge it accordingly.” Taking this into consideration, Hamlet is able to see the corruption and flaws of the world he lives in, which he did not notice before his father’s death. Burton also suggests that if a person can overcome their mental disorder, they can achieve certain goals because they have the quality to do so. Narcissists are ambitious and courageous, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder allows one to be dedicated to their work, and schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are linked to creativity. Also, Harding from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

Pathological narcissism: It is the state of having high levels of narcissism such as narcissistic personality disorder; the person's libido has been withdrawn from the objects in the world and produces megalomania.

In this article written by Joe Navarro, he explains what differentiates a narcissist from a psychopath. A narcissist overvalues themselves by devaluing others. They view themselves as "special, privileged, entitled, and void of flaws". He believes that they think they are incapable of making mistakes and taking responsibility. Narcissists believe they are above everyone else and no one is equal to them, they have an excessive interest in themselves and thinks the world revolves around them.

“I think writers are the most narcissistic people. Well I mustn't say this, I like many of them , a great many of my friends are writers”-Sylvia Plath (Goodreads). Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental disorder that many people suffer with every day...even fictional characters from books and movies suffer with NPD. For example, one fictional character that has Narcissistic Personality Disorder is Tom Sawyer from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a disorder in which people have a need for admiration (Mayo Clinic Staff).

It is hard and uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with NPD because when someone has narcissistic personality disorder, they may not want to think that anything could be wrong, doing so wouldn't fit with their self-image of power and perfection (American Psychiatric Association; 2013). Some psychologists say narcissism can be diagnosed by asking one question: “are you a Narcissist?” This is because some believe that if a person is narcissistic, then they will have no problem saying so because they are unable to see any flaws in themselves. People who are willing to admit that they are narcissistic are actually more narcissistic then others. Treatment of narcissistic personality disorder typically involves long-term psychotherapy with a therapist

Pros and Cons of Narcissism Introduction In modern life, the word narcissism is very identical with the generation of 20th century. The concept of narcissism was popularized by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud through his work "Ego and Its Relationship to the Outer World. " His work became the starting point for many others to develop a theory of narcissism. The word narcissism comes from the Greek legend Narcissus.

Despite their actions, they will not feel a sense of empathy towards the people they hurt because narcissistic individuals think the victims deserved it for stopping them from achieving their goals. Surprisingly, narcissistic individuals are always felt threatened by other people from their surroundings. Due to that, they are likely to respond to any perceived threats in an exaggerated way (Narcissism, 2008). Hence, narcissism is not exactly a trait you would probably found great in an individual.