What is Narcissism?
Narcissism is a psychological personality trait characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a strong need for admiration, and a reduced capacity for empathy toward others. From a clinical perspective, narcissism exists on a spectrum:
Healthy (adaptive) narcissism involves confidence, ambition, and self-assurance that support achievement and resilience.
Maladaptive (pathological) narcissism involves grandiosity, entitlement, hypersensitivity to criticism, interpersonal exploitation, and unstable self-esteem that depends heavily on external validation.
In its most extreme and impairing form, narcissism may meet criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as defined in diagnostic systems such as the DSM-5. Individuals at this level typically display pervasive patterns of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour), a constant need for admiration, and significant impairment in relationships, work, or self-functioning.
Psychologically, many contemporary theories suggest that beneath overt grandiosity often lies fragile self-esteem and a defensive structure developed to protect against deep feelings of inadequacy, shame, or vulnerability. Individuals displaying high levels of narcissistic behaviour were most likely to have experienced their own traumas. Regardless of this, victims of narcissitic abuse are vulnerable and counselling may be of great benefit.
