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Narcissistic Collapse
From the piece:
What causes narcissistic collapse?
People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can experience varying levels of self-esteem, which may fluctuate. Studies suggest that, despite outward expressions of arrogance and superiority, people with NPD have a deeply rooted sense of inadequacy and insecurity, which they may or may not be aware of.
Typically, narcissistic traits develop either following abuse, as a defense mechanism and way of reducing feelings of worthlessness, or after receiving excessive praise as a child, thus creating an inflated ego. In both cases, the individual’s belief in their superiority relies heavily on the admiration and validation of others, known as ‘narcissistic supply’.
If this supply is diminished for any reason, the person with NPD experiences a decrease in their self-worth and self-esteem, which can lead to narcissistic collapse. This may occur due to:
- Being exposed for lying or manipulating
- Being criticized for their work or underachieving
- Not receiving the treatment or reaction that they believe they deserve
- Witnessing others receiving the special treatment or praise they believe they deserve
When this occurs, the ego and confidence of the person with NPD are damaged, and their self-esteem cannot be upheld, causing them to recognize or be reminded of their flaws and inadequacies. As such, they experience emotions such as anxiety or shame, causing a ‘collapse’ in their narcissistic traits as they try to recover their control and power.
This reaction will vary depending on the individual. It may cause an outward and aggressive response to someone they believe has damaged their self-esteem. Alternatively, it might result in withdrawal and impaired functioning. In both instances, the individual will likely experience self-criticism and a fear of failure or inferiority.
go further:
How to Tell You're Dealing with a Malignant Narcissist
The intentional destruction of others while pathologically loving the self.
Posted Feb 22, 2017
[...]
Malignant Narcissism
I want to explore with you the darker side of narcissistic personality disorder, where aggression, antisocial behaviors, and suspiciousness are as prominent as their poor sense of self, fragility, and egocentricity. (
Below is a video clip that explores the symptoms of malignant narcissism.)
A person with malignant narcissism has the potential to destroy families, communities, nations, and work environments. This condition reflects a hybrid or blending of narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders. Psychologist Eric Fromm
termed the disorder in 1964.
Psychoanalyst Otto Kernberg later delineated the symptoms of the condition and presented it as an intermediary between narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders.
Why is the behavior of malignant narcissism often considered dangerous?
Individuals with this profile can form connections with others. However, they process information in ways that can hurt society in general, but also the people who love or depend on them. Family, co-workers, employees, and others in their lives often have to walk on eggshells to appease a fragile ego and minimize the occurrence of their unstable, impulsive, or aggressive behaviors.
They lash out or humiliate others for infractions of even the most frivolous nature (for example, you gave an opinion that differed from theirs; you demonstrated
confidence, and it made them look bad; you told a joke that involved poking fun at them).
[...]
How to Tell You're Dealing with a Malignant Narcissist
