All posts tagged: Narcissists

Kylie Minogue has had enough of narcissists in her life – this is how you spot them

Kylie Minogue has had enough of narcissists in her life – this is how you spot them

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Kylie Minogue won’t be dating another narcissist and has called it her “red hot ‘no’” ahead of the release of her new Netflix documentary Kylie yesterday – a no-holds-barred three-part series about her life and career. In the documentary, the now single Australian singer, 57, talks about looking for the same love she had with INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, whom she dated from 1989 until 1991, but sadly, she met a narcissist along the way. She told the Sunday Times Style magazine: “Narcissists. I’ve dated one, and I’m very grateful I now have that knowledge.” Yet while Kylie says that she’s “getting pickier” with the men she dates, I am screening anybody new I come into contact with to avoid narcissists touching any part of my life, be that love, work, family or friendship circle. I’ve known a few – and …

Narcissists tend to view God as a punishing figure who owes them special favors

Narcissists tend to view God as a punishing figure who owes them special favors

Published by José Betancourt

A recent study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences provides evidence that different aspects of narcissism correspond to specific, often self-serving, patterns of religious engagement. The findings suggest that while highly narcissistic individuals might not be more religious overall, they tend to use religion as a tool for personal gain, status, or emotional comfort. This research offers a detailed understanding of how people with inflated self-views or deep-seated insecurities navigate faith and spirituality. At first glance, narcissism and religion seem like an unlikely pair. Religious traditions usually promote humility, selflessness, and community care. Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by egotism, a sense of superiority, and a strong feeling of entitlement. This stark contrast raises an interesting question about how individuals with strong narcissistic traits interact with religious beliefs and communities. Previous studies looking at broad connections between narcissism and religion have yielded mixed results. Some research suggests religious individuals actually score higher on general narcissism scales than non-religious people. Other sets of data show no significant relationship at all between grandiose narcissism …

Romances with narcissists don’t deteriorate the way psychologists expected

Romances with narcissists don’t deteriorate the way psychologists expected

Published by José Betancourt

A new study published in the Journal of Personality suggests that having a highly narcissistic and antagonistic partner is associated with lower overall relationship satisfaction. Yet, this personality trait does not necessarily cause satisfaction to drop at a faster rate over time. The findings challenge the popular idea that romantic relationships with narcissistic individuals start off incredibly satisfying before inevitably crashing into dysfunction. Scientists Gwendolyn Seidman and William J. Chopik conducted this research to better understand how specific traits associated with narcissism affect romantic relationships over long periods. Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for excessive attention. “Most of the research on narcissism focuses on the narcissistic partner themselves. However, many theories on why narcissism is interpersonally harmful emphasize its potential effects on narcissists’ partners, not just the narcissists themselves. This study documents how these traits could affect both partners’ relationship satisfaction over time,” said study author Gwendolyn Seidman, an associate professor of psychology at Michigan State University. “These theories also focus on differences between …

Psychologists found a surprisingly simple way to keep narcissists from cheating

Psychologists found a surprisingly simple way to keep narcissists from cheating

Published by José Betancourt

A study involving full-time employed individuals revealed that the unethical behavior of narcissists depends on the context. When opportunities for personal gain are restrained and in situations that demand deliberation, the association between grandiose narcissism and unethical behavior disappeared. The paper was published in Personality and Individual Differences. Grandiose narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a strong need for admiration, and a belief in one’s superiority over others. Individuals high in grandiose narcissism tend to view themselves as exceptional and deserving of special treatment. They seek positions of status and influence where they can receive recognition and validation. Because they prioritize their own success and image, they may show little concern for the needs or rights of others. This self-centered orientation can make unethical behavior more likely when such behavior benefits their goals or reputation. For example, grandiose narcissists may exaggerate achievements, take credit for others’ work, or manipulate information to maintain a positive image. They may also justify unethical actions by believing that rules should not apply to …

Psychologists reveal a key trigger behind narcissists’ passive-aggressive behavior

Psychologists reveal a key trigger behind narcissists’ passive-aggressive behavior

Published by José Betancourt

When people with high levels of narcissism feel ignored or excluded by others, they are more likely to lash out using specific types of passive-aggressive behavior. A recent study published in the Journal of Psychology reveals that these individuals tend to retaliate against social exclusion by indirectly provoking criticism of their peers. These results shed light on how covert hostility operates in everyday social and professional relationships. Psychologists define narcissism as a personality trait characterized by an intense focus on oneself, a belief in personal superiority, and a constant desire for validation. It exists on a spectrum, meaning most people possess some level of narcissistic traits rather than simply being categorized as a narcissist or not. Researchers generally divide the trait into two main subtypes. Grandiose narcissism involves high self-esteem, an exaggerated self-image, and a dominant attitude toward others. Vulnerable narcissism features a fragile self-concept, struggles with emotional regulation, and hypersensitivity to criticism. Both subtypes share a foundation of arrogance and self-centeredness. People with elevated levels of either type frequently antagonize others and act aggressively. …

Narcissists are persuasive speakers but terrible writers, study finds

Narcissists are persuasive speakers but terrible writers, study finds

Published by José Betancourt

People with highly self-centered and grandiose personalities often believe they can convince anyone to do anything. A new study shows they might actually succeed at this goal when speaking out loud. However, when these same individuals attempt to persuade others through writing, their arguments fall flat and fail to impress readers. These findings, published in the Journal of Research in Personality, reveal that the persuasive abilities of self-centered individuals depend heavily on the way they communicate. Researchers have spent decades evaluating grandiose narcissism as a personality trait. This trait involves a highly self-centered, dominant, and manipulative way of interacting with the world. People with high levels of this trait usually project extreme confidence, charm, and a strong desire to be the center of attention. Because of these specific traits, highly self-centered individuals constantly seek out higher social status. They want to be admired and respected by others in their daily lives. To achieve this constant validation, the ability to sway other people’s opinions is a highly prized skill. Joshua D. Foster, a psychology researcher at …

Grandiose narcissists tend to show reduced neural sensitivity to errors

Grandiose narcissists tend to show reduced neural sensitivity to errors

Published by José Betancourt

Two studies of students in the U.K. revealed that individuals with pronounced grandiose narcissism traits tended to show blunted neural activity in response to errors. It is possible that this is the mechanism through which narcissists resist correcting themselves, bolstering their positive self-views. The paper was published in the Journal of Personality. Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by grandiosity, a strong need for admiration, and a tendency toward self-centeredness. Two major forms of narcissism are grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Grandiose narcissism is marked by confidence, extraversion, and exhibitionism, whereas vulnerable narcissism involves defensiveness, insecurity, and hypersensitivity to criticism. Individuals high in narcissism tend to be very interested in seeking status and recognition. They often appear charismatic and competent to others. However, they tend to struggle with empathy and prioritize personal gain over collective welfare. Because of this internal contrast, narcissism is linked to both short-term social success and long-term relational instability. In leadership contexts, narcissistic individuals may make bold, visionary decisions but also take excessive risks. Theoretical models suggest that narcissists either mask underlying …

Common Post-Breakup Behaviors of Covert Narcissists

Common Post-Breakup Behaviors of Covert Narcissists

Published by Jenni Sidey

Covert narcissism operates on subtle control, emotional dependency, and plausible deniability, which makes their behavior more insidious and challenging to pinpoint. While the relationship is intact and they are benefiting from you, their abuse can stay hidden under the guise of concern, intellectual depth, “togetherness,” or performative empathy and emotional attunement for years. However, once you assert a boundary or flex your autonomy, it disrupts their agenda and increases the propensity for many of the cruel behaviors, including covert reactive aggression. Because those high in covert narcissistic traits have difficulty tolerating a loss of control over their ex, they see their ex’s independence as an attack. To reassert their power without looking like the “bad guy,” they weaponize vulnerability, including giving the silent treatment and staging themselves in dysfunctional situations to see if their ex will reach out and “rescue” them (i.e., in a toxic rebound relationship, making themselves appear used or mistreated by their new partner or worse off now, looking dejected or performative in photos, or feigning physical or emotional pain). They also …

Study finds education level doesn’t stop narcissists from believing conspiracy theories

Study finds education level doesn’t stop narcissists from believing conspiracy theories

Published by José Betancourt

If there are two things the internet loves talking about, it’s conspiracy theories, and who may or may not be a narcissist. Misinformation and conspiratorial thinking are long-running concerns, while narcissism has become TikTok’s favourite armchair diagnosis. Research shows the two concepts, though seemingly separate, may actually be closely linked. In my new research published in the Journal of Personality and Individual Differences, more than 600 people completed surveys, and the findings show higher scores on measures of narcissism were linked to belief in conspiracy theories and misinformation. Importantly, this result held true regardless of how educated the participants were. Head vs heart Scholarly evidence shows people with lower levels of education are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories. But that’s only part of the story. We also know that historically, conspiracy theories have done well in times of uncertainty, including during war, economic downturn and widespread hardship (such as the COVID pandemic). A prominent explanation for this is that conspiracy beliefs serve underlying psychological needs. These include providing answers when things are unclear …

Adaptation Trap: Why Children of Narcissists Lose Themselves

Adaptation Trap: Why Children of Narcissists Lose Themselves

Published by Jenni Sidey

One sign you grew up with a narcissistic parent is that you were never allowed to think something was wrong with them or their parenting. The only permitted conclusion was that something was wrong with you. Of course, children growing up with such a message inherit a heavy mix of shame, a guilt they can’t place, and an anger they learned to swallow. As a child of narcissistic parents, you might be great at achieving things, but feel empty doing it. Relationships also feel either empty or confusing, like you’re always auditioning to be useful or are waiting to be exposed. And underneath all that, if you listen really well, you can hear the low hum of anxiety. What a Narcissistic Parent Really Is People throw the word “narcissist” around a lot. But, in this case, we’re talking about a specific pattern. Researchers describe it as a form of “pathological parenting” where the parent views the child as a “natural extension of themselves” (Mahoney, Rickspoone, & Hull, 2016). At their core, narcissistic parents are often …