Narcissist

Narcissism has also been referred to a personality trait versus a personality disorder however that is a separate discussion beyond the scope of this website. Identifying the signs and accepting that those who would claim to rule over us as well as those high in a corporate hierarchy often possess these negative and dangerous traits is the goal here.

Psychology Today

6 Common Traits of Narcissists and Gaslighters
  1. Frequent Lies and Exaggerations
  2. Rarely Admit Flaws and Are Highly Aggressive When Criticized
  3. False Image Projection
  4. Rule Breaking and Boundary Violation
  5. Emotional Invalidation and Coercion
  6. Manipulation: The Use or Control of Others as an Extension of Oneself

In the worst-case scenario, some individuals possess traits of both narcissism and gaslighting. This is a highly toxic and destructive combination of vanity, manipulation, bullying, and abuse — all unleashed in order to compensate for the perpetrator’s deep-seated sense of inadequacy and fear.

Source: 6 Common Traits of Narcissists and Gaslighters

Psychology Today

6 Signs of Narcissism You May Not Know About

To begin, however, here are DSM’s requirements (slightly condensed, and with minor bracketed amendments) for “earning” the unenviable diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder:

  1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance.
  2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
  3. Believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
  4. Requires excessive admiration [regularly fishes for compliments, and is highly susceptible to flattery].
  5. Has a sense of entitlement.
  6. Is interpersonally exploitative.
  7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling [or, I would add, unable] to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
  8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
  9. Shows arrogant, haughty [rude and abusive] behaviors or attitudes.

So what’s left out here? Actually, as regards identifying descriptors, quite a bit.
  1. Are highly reactive to criticism. Or anything they assume or interpret as negatively evaluating their personality or performance.
  2. Have low self-esteem. This facet of their psyche is complicated, because superficially their self-regard would appear to be higher and more assured than just about anyone else’s.
  3. Can be inordinately self-righteous and defensive. Needing so much to protect their overblown but fragile ego, their ever-vigilant defense system can be extraordinarily easy to set off.
  4. React to contrary viewpoints with anger or rage. In fact, this characteristic is so common in narcissists that it’s always surprised me that DSM doesn’t specifically refer to it among its nine criteria.
  5. Project onto others qualities, traits, and behaviors they can’t—or won’t—accept in themselves. Because they’re compelled from deep within to conceal deficits or weaknesses in their self-image, they habitually redirect any unfavorable appraisal of themselves outwards, unconsciously trusting that doing so will forever keep at bay their deepest suspicions about themselves.
  6. Have poor interpersonal boundaries. It’s been said about narcissists that they can’t tell where they end and the other person begins. Unconsciously viewing others as “extensions” of themselves, they regard them as existing primarily to serve their own needs—just as they routinely put their needs before everyone else’s (frequently, even their own children).

Source: 6 Signs of Narcissism You May Not Know About
Narcissists Are Good At Getting To The Top, But Dangerous When They Get There
Narcissists in Positions of Authority | HealthyPlace
Narcissism: Why It's So Rampant in Politics | Psychology Today
The Narcissistic Politician | Psychology Today
Empaths and narcissists make a 'toxic' partnership — here's why they're attracted to each other
Eternal truths about those who are attracted to politics – Knowledge Problem

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