Types of Narcissism and How to Spot Them

Narcissism is a personality trait that ranges along a spectrum. A person who constantly seeks attention, is self-involved, and craves praise, known as narcissistic supply, may be considered narcissistic. They may exhibit some behaviors of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). However, having some narcissistic traits does not necessarily mean they are diagnosed with NPD.

In this article, we explain the five types of narcissism, their signs, how to spot them, and the difference between narcissism and NPD.

Overt (Grandiose) Narcissism

Overt narcissism is probably what most people think of when they think of someone who is narcissistic. They may be overbearing, extroverted, social, egotistic, and narcissistic.

Signs of Overt Narcissism:

• A deep desire for praise and compliments
• Attention seeking
• An inflated sense of self-esteem
• Overestimates their capabilities, intelligence, and abilities
• Interpersonal dominance
• Inability to empathize with others
• Insensitive to the needs of others
• Arrogant and loud
• The “big person” in the room
• Entitled
• Highly self-involved

Covert (Vulnerable) Narcissism

Covert narcissism can be thought of as the opposite presentation of overt narcissism. Their behavior is much less obvious and more subtle. Covert narcissists don’t behave loudly, nor are they outgoing. They are still highly focused on themselves with a thirst for praise from others. Their need for admiration may manifest as giving backhanded compliments or talking down about themselves in an effort to gain reassurance from others.

Signs of Covert Narcissism

• Introverted
• Difficulty taking criticism
• Feeling and expressing they are not good enough
• Often plays the victim
• Shames and blames others for their mistakes
• Poor self-esteem
• Insecure and low confidence

Communal Narcissism

A type of narcissism is communal narcissism. Communal narcissists will claim to have a strong moral code with a belief in fairness but will not behave according to their beliefs.

Signs of Communal Narcissism

• High sensitivity to unfairness
• Perceives themselves as generous, giving, and/or saintly
• Expression of emotional outrage in response to unfair circumstances
• Expression of altruistic values

However, their actions will not align with what they say, believe, or think. For instance, their concern for others is not authentic or genuine. Their intentions for expressing moral outrage are based on gaining social power or elevating self-importance. They are upset when others are treated unfairly but will not treat others fairly when they face a similar situation.

Antagonistic Narcissism

There is some research that suggests there is a subtype of narcissism called antagonistic narcissism. It is characterized by the following signs:

• Highly competitive
• Extreme focus on rivalry
• Tendency to disagree and argue
• Takes advantage of others
• Difficulty or lack of forgiveness in others
• Issues trusting others

Overt narcissists are social and outgoing and tend to make friends easily. However, someone with antagonistic narcissism may have trouble maintaining social connections with others as the personality trait is associated with a detrimental effect on peer relationships.

Malignant Narcissism

The most severe type of narcissism is malignant narcissism. Some mental health researchers have considered this as a mixture of narcissism and antisocial personality disorder. A person with malignant narcissism displays symptoms of NPD.

Signs of Malignant Narcissism

• Displays paranoia, including a fear of others making fun of them
• Acts aggressively with others
• Sadistic and takes pleasure in the pain of others
• Vindictive
• Zero tolerance for criticism and lack of ability to handle criticism

Narcissism vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

It is important to note that although there are various types of narcissism, there is only one official diagnosis for NPD. Symptoms of NPD are similar to narcissism, such as a lack of empathy for others, a desire for attention and praise, and a sense of entitlement. However, someone with traits of narcissism may not be diagnosed with NPD.

Mental health providers will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) to clinically diagnose someone with NPD. A diagnosis requires a qualified mental health professional to assess the person for personality dysfunction among multiple domains and the expression of specific personality traits.

NPD is a mental health disorder that leads to clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning in one's life.

Narcissism can be a common trait during life stages such as adolescence; however, having this personality trait does not mean the person will develop NPD.

Therefore, narcissism is a personality trait that exists on a spectrum and does not necessarily predict an NPD diagnosis. Some experts conceptualize five types of narcissism, with malignant narcissism being the most extreme. Covert and overt narcissism contrast each other, but both are characterized by high self-involvement and a need for admiration and attention. Communal and antagonistic are types of narcissism.