Grandiose Narcissism vs. Vulnerable Narcissism

Attribute	Grandiose Narcissism	Vulnerable Narcissism
Self-esteem	High	Low
External validation	Seeking	Craving
Defensive	No	Yes
Aggressive behavior	Common	Rare
Emotional instability	Low	High

Definition

Grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism are two subtypes of narcissistic personality disorder. Grandiose narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with grandiose narcissism often exhibit arrogant and entitled behavior, believing they are superior to others. On the other hand, vulnerable narcissism is characterized by feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and hypersensitivity to criticism. Individuals with vulnerable narcissism may appear shy or introverted, but they still have a strong need for validation and approval from others.

Behavior

Individuals with grandiose narcissism tend to be more extroverted and outgoing in their behavior. They may seek out positions of power and authority, as they believe they are deserving of special treatment and recognition. Grandiose narcissists often engage in self-promotion and boastful behavior to maintain their inflated sense of self-worth. In contrast, individuals with vulnerable narcissism may exhibit more passive-aggressive behavior. They may be overly sensitive to perceived slights or criticisms, leading to feelings of resentment and anger. Vulnerable narcissists may also engage in self-sabotaging behaviors as a way to cope with their underlying feelings of inadequacy.

Relationships

Grandiose narcissists tend to have superficial and transactional relationships with others. They may view people as objects to be used for their own gain, rather than as individuals with their own thoughts and feelings. Grandiose narcissists may struggle to maintain long-term relationships, as their lack of empathy and need for constant admiration can be off-putting to others. On the other hand, individuals with vulnerable narcissism may have difficulty forming relationships due to their fear of rejection and abandonment. They may push others away or become overly dependent on them for validation, leading to a cycle of unhealthy and unstable relationships.

Self-Image

Grandiose narcissists have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. They may exaggerate their achievements and talents to maintain this image of grandiosity. Grandiose narcissists often seek out validation and admiration from others to reinforce their self-image. In contrast, individuals with vulnerable narcissism have a fragile self-image and low self-esteem. They may constantly seek reassurance and validation from others to combat their feelings of inadequacy. Vulnerable narcissists may struggle with feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt, leading to a constant need for external validation.

Coping Mechanisms

Grandiose narcissists often cope with their insecurities by projecting an image of confidence and superiority. They may engage in grandiose fantasies or delusions of grandeur to maintain their sense of self-importance. Grandiose narcissists may also engage in manipulative or exploitative behavior to get what they want. On the other hand, individuals with vulnerable narcissism may cope with their insecurities by withdrawing from others or engaging in self-destructive behaviors. They may struggle with feelings of shame and self-doubt, leading to a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors.

Treatment

Treating grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism can be challenging, as individuals with narcissistic personality disorder often have difficulty acknowledging their own flaws and seeking help. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy, can be beneficial in helping individuals with narcissistic traits develop more adaptive coping mechanisms and improve their relationships with others. It is important for individuals with narcissistic personality disorder to work on developing empathy and self-awareness in order to overcome their maladaptive behaviors and beliefs.