what's a narcissist

1 answer

A narcissist is typically defined as someone who exhibits narcissism, a personality trait characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself and an inflated sense of self-importance. Narcissism can involve a lack of empathy for others, a strong need for admiration, and a tendency to exploit relationships for personal gain.

In psychology, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a more severe, clinical form of narcissism. Symptoms of NPD may include:

  • A grandiose sense of self-importance
  • Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or beauty
  • Believing they are special or unique and can only be understood by other high-status people
  • Requiring excessive admiration
  • A sense of entitlement
  • Being interpersonally exploitative
  • Lacking empathy
  • Often being envious of others or believing that others are envious of them
  • Demonstrating arrogant or haughty behaviors

It's important to note that not everyone who displays narcissistic traits has NPD. Narcissism exists on a spectrum, and many people might show some narcissistic characteristics without having the full disorder.