Narcissism vs. Narcissist

Attribute	Narcissism	Narcissist
Definition	A personality trait characterized by grandiosity, self-focus, and a lack of empathy	A person who exhibits narcissistic traits or behaviors
Behavior	Excessive need for admiration, sense of entitlement, manipulation of others	Self-centered, arrogant, lacks empathy for others
Psychological Factors	Low self-esteem, insecurity, fear of rejection	Grandiosity, superiority complex, lack of empathy
Relationships	Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, tendency to exploit others	Struggles with forming genuine connections, uses others for personal gain

Definition

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. It is often associated with a sense of entitlement and a tendency to exploit others for personal gain. Narcissists, on the other hand, are individuals who exhibit narcissistic traits to an extreme degree, often to the point of causing harm to themselves or others.

Behavior

Individuals with narcissistic traits may exhibit a range of behaviors, including a constant need for attention and validation, a tendency to exaggerate their achievements, and a lack of empathy for others. They may also be manipulative and controlling in their relationships, seeking to dominate and exploit others for their own benefit. Narcissists may engage in gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation in which they seek to make others doubt their own perceptions and reality.

Emotions

One of the key characteristics of narcissism is a lack of empathy for others. Narcissists may struggle to understand or care about the feelings of those around them, leading to difficulties in forming meaningful and healthy relationships. They may also have a fragile sense of self-esteem, relying on external validation to feel good about themselves. This can make them highly sensitive to criticism and rejection, leading to outbursts of anger or aggression when their ego is threatened.

Impact on Others

Narcissistic behavior can have a significant impact on the people around the narcissist. Their constant need for attention and validation can be draining for those in their lives, leading to feelings of exhaustion and frustration. Narcissists may also be manipulative and controlling, using others to meet their own needs without regard for the well-being of those they are exploiting. This can lead to feelings of betrayal and hurt in their relationships.

Treatment

While narcissism is a personality trait that may be difficult to change, there are treatments available for individuals who exhibit narcissistic behaviors to an extreme degree. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help narcissists develop a greater sense of self-awareness and empathy for others. It can also help them learn healthier ways of relating to those around them and managing their emotions in a more constructive manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, narcissism is a personality trait characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a constant need for attention and validation. Narcissists are individuals who exhibit these traits to an extreme degree, often causing harm to themselves and those around them. Understanding the behaviors, emotions, and impact of narcissism can help individuals recognize and address these traits in themselves or others, leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships.