Vulnerable narcissism

Vulnerable narcissism, also known as covert narcissism, is a form of narcissism mainly characterized by neuroticism, feelings of shame and introversion. It is viewed as being one of the extremes on the scale of narcissism, with the opposite being "grandiose narcissism," which is characterized by self-confidence and feelings of fulfillment.

Vulnerable narcissism is said to be linked to Borderline Personality Disorder.[1]

Signs and traits

Although vulnerable narcissism is not a diagnosable condition, it is a form of narcissism linked to borderline personality disorder.[1]

  • Arrogant behavior
  • Desire for admiration
  • Attention-seeking behavior
  • Feelings of shame
  • Lack of empathy
  • Neuroticism or insecurity
  • Inferiority complex
  • Resentfulness

Vulnerable narcissism is characterized as being strongly correlated with neuroticism, which includes feelings such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and abrupt mood changes. Vulnerable narcissists are usually introverted, and sometimes, shy. Due to this level of introversion and possible social anxiety, they may choose to turn down planned social gatherings.[2]

Typically, vulnerable narcissists have a hypersensitivity towards criticism, and view constructive criticism as a personal attack or insult rather than a critique. As a result, vulnerable narcissists are often vindictive and resentful towards their critics.[3] Vulnerable narcissists may feel unprovoked shame on a daily basis and struggle with feelings of unworthiness and inferiority.[4] As a result, they often have feelings of jealousy towards others.[5]

Vulnerable narcissism has been widely linked to Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which exhibits similar traits, such as emotional intensity, low self-esteem, mood swings, feelings of emptiness, depression and anxiety. However, although the two are associated, they are also distinct.[6]

Relation to grandiose narcissism

Similarities

Vulnerable also known as "covert" and grandiose (also known as "overt"), are viewed as being two extremes on a scale of narcissism. Both types of narcissism exhibit traits such as attention-seeking behavior, need for admiration, self-centeredness, lack of empathy and arrogant behavior. They also both have an intolerance towards criticism, though vulnerable narcissists are more likely to be offended by it. [7][8]

Differences

Overall, while vulnerable narcissists are high in neuroticism and low in extroversion (introversion), grandiose narcissists are low in neuroticism, and high in extroversion. Vulnerable narcissism is more closely associated with Borderline Personality Disorder,[9] while grandiose narcissism is more closely associated with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.[10] Both feature traits of Histrionic Personality Disorder, with the vulnerable type sharing the neurotic traits, and the grandiose type aligning with the extroverted characteristics.[11] The type of intolerance towards criticism the two have also differ. While the vulnerable type normally becomes offended by criticism, the grandiose narcissist will most likely dismiss the criticism, and view it as being inaccurate.[12]

Causes

While Narcissistic Personality Disorder is believed to be caused by the parents of the subject praising or admiring them during childhood, and causing them to feel as if they're superior to their peers, vulnerable narcissism is believed to be formed for the opposite reasons. Verbal or physical abuse and neglect during childhood are seen as the main reasons for someone to develop vulnerable narcissism.[13][14]

See also

References
  1. "Vulnerable Narcissism vs Borderline Personality Disorder". ScienceDirect. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  2. "How to spot a vulnerable narcissist". The Awareness Center. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  3. "Signs of covert narcissism". MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  4. "Is Your Narcissist The "Vulnerable" or Grandiose Type?". BPD Central.
  5. "How to spot a vulnerable narcissist". The Awareness Center. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  6. "Vulnerable narcissism and borderline personality in relation to personal values". ScienceDirect. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  7. "11 Signs You're Dating a Narcissist". Healthline. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  8. "Signs of covert narcissism". MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  9. "Vulnerable narcissism and borderline personality in relation to personal values". ScienceDirect. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  10. "Narcissistic Personality Disorder". MayoClinic.
  11. "Histrionic Personality Disorder". WebMD. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  12. "Signs of covert narcissism". MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  13. "Lines from the Border". BPD Central. Randi Kreger. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
  14. "Signs of covert narcissism". MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
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