Medicosnext
Words by Shubhanga Pyakurel and Kritika Niraula
“Understanding narcissism means acknowledging its potential benefits, like higher self-esteem in youth, but also its pitfalls when excessive self-focus leads to manipulation and a lack of empathy.”
Introduction:
Can you think of a narcissist? Some people might picture Junga Bahadur Rana, perhaps, or some politician of current era who are often labelled as such on social media. Chances are you’ve encountered a narcissist, and they looked nothing like we imagined. Narcissistic personality is viewed as a pattern of self-centered, arrogant thinking and behaviour, a lack of empathy and consideration for other people, and an excessive need for admiration. People with narcissism “may be grandiose or self-loathing, extraverted or socially isolated, captains of industry or unable to maintain steady employment, model citizens or prone to antisocial activities,” according to a review paper on diagnosing the disorder. Narcissism, pathological self-absorption, was first identified as a mental disorder by the British essayist and physician Havelock Ellis in 1898. Narcissism is characterized by an inflated self-image and addiction to fantasy, by an unusual coolness and composure shaken only when the narcissistic confidence is threatened, and by the tendency to take others for granted or to exploit them. While it’s important to approach characterizations of individuals with caution, as they can be subjective and based on public perceptions. A few examples of people who are considered to have narcissistic traits are Adolf Hitler, Kim Jong-un, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, Kanye West, etc.
Facets of Narcissistic Traits:
Narcissism is a buzz word we may have heard it lately to refer to people who are so self-centered that they are toxic to the people around them. It isn’t always easy to identify a narcissist. A growing body of research is revealing that a high sense of self-worth and a concern about what others think about us can be beneficial in our lives. As with most things, these traits need to be grounded in realistic expectations and moderation. But the idea has gained enough support that “healthy narcissism” is a concept now recognized in the psychological community.
It feels like every generation thinks the generation that comes after it is just a bunch of raving narcissists. It makes sense, given that young people are naturally egocentric and we become less so as we age. A recent study shows that healthy narcissism during our late teens and early adult years can help us navigate the pitfalls of gaining independence from our parents while handling the failures that often come during this time period.
“Narcissism isn’t confined to loud personalities; it’s a spectrum ranging from healthy self-esteem to pathological self-absorption, impacting relationships, work, and societal dynamics.”
People with healthy narcissistic traits have higher self-esteem, which can lower stress levels and create a baseline of general happiness. “They are better able to impress people favourably because of a higher self-regard,” says Whitbourne, a famous psychologist. “People aren’t going to be desperately seeking other people’s approval. This can really be a stress relief in our daily lives.” A 2010 study revealed that people with a healthy level of narcissism experienced less social anxiety about exercising in a group setting. Therefore, they worked out more often. Again, logic drives this one: If you care about how other perceive you and you have a higher sense of self-worth, it only makes sense that you’ll take care of your body and your health. And the bottom line is that it doesn’t matter why you’re healthy, just as long as you’re healthy. (It’s worth noting here that having an unhealthy level of narcissism can lead to an obsessive amount of exercise and also to eating disorders, a reminder that balance is the key.)
Determinants of Narcissism:
It’s not known what causes narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). The cause is likely complex. Narcissism can be influenced by various factors. Childhood experiences and parenting styles can play a role in shaping narcissistic tendencies. There may be a genetic component, as certain personality traits can be inherited. Societal and cultural influences can also contribute to the development of narcissistic traits. Furthermore, Individual personality and coping mechanisms can also influence the likelihood of narcissistic tendencies. Additionally, Narcissism can be influenced by how someone is raised, their genes, the world around them, and their own personality. Family, genetics, environment, and personal traits all play a part in shaping narcissistic tendencies. It’s often a combination of these factors that contributes to the development of narcissistic traits in individuals. Research indicates that the culture you grow up in can influence your risk of developing NPD. The risk seems to be higher in cultures where individualism and personal independence are more encouraged. People who grow up in cultures that encourage a sense of community and collective action are less likely to develop NPD.
Furthermore, gender roles and norms as well play as the factor influencing narcissism. In gender studies, the analysis of gender differences in narcissism shows that male narcissism and female narcissism differ in a number of aspects. Jeffrey Kluger, in his 2014 book The Narcissist Next Door suggested that our society, still largely patriarchal, is more likely to tolerate male narcissism and aggressiveness than these of females. This assertion was voiced, although without definite proof, by a number of other researchers. Research has shown that personality differences, like narcissism, can arise from gender stereotypes and expectations that have been ingrained over time. The authors speculate that the persistent lack of women in senior leadership roles may partially stem from the disparity between stereotypes of femininity and leadership. Individuals tend to observe and learn gender roles from a young age, and may face backlash for deviating from society’s expectations.
In particular, women often receive harsh criticism for being aggressive or authoritative, which creates pressure for women, more so than for men, to suppress displays of narcissistic behaviour.
“Beyond the evident traits, subtle narcissism thrives in everyday conversations, employing tactics that shift blame, assert dominance, and create an aura of superiority, often leaving others feeling manipulated.”
Pitfalls of Narcissistic Traits (NPD):
When narcissism becomes a clinical condition known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), several consequences may arise.
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an unreasonably high sense of their own importance. It causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial matters. People with narcissistic personality disorder may be generally unhappy and disappointed when they’re not given the special favors or admiration that they believe they deserve. They may find their relationships troubled and unfulfilling, and other people may not enjoy being around them. Narcissistic personality disorder affects more males than females, and it often begins in the teens or early adulthood. Extreme narcissistic behavior may lead to legal problems or challenges in professional settings due to difficulties working with other people and potential conflicts. However, some children may show traits of narcissism, but this is often typical for their age and doesn’t mean they’ll go on to develop narcissistic personality disorder.
Narcissism’s Social Impacts:
Ironically patients with NPD, also known as narcissists are reportedly happier than others in society. Being highly materialistic, self-enhancing, entitled and impulsive, they may not learn from mistakes, and have a tendency to get into even greater trouble, notably legal and disciplinary (Ronningstam & Weinberg, 2013). These maladaptive coping mechanisms can result in issues in the work place or in school, or unemployment.
Patients with NPD tend to be drawn to people of a high societal class, who think very highly of them (Campbell, Miller, & Widiger, 2010). The constant desire for admiration may cause romantic relationships to be short lived, as they constantly seek for something better, or when their lack of empathy becomes apparent to their partners (Ronningstam & Weinberg, 2013). So patients with NPD may exhibit an unforgiving nature and showcase anger and aggression in such close relationships (Ronningstam & Weinberg, 2013). This can also affect work relationships or any close group activities.
To commence with Nepal, we can delve the example of Jung Bahadur Rana, a prominent political and military leader in Nepal during the 19th century. He was the founder of the Rana dynasty, which ruled Nepal for over a century until the mid-20th century. Jung Bahadur played a key role in the shaping of Nepal’s political landscape, leading the Rana regime characterized by centralized power and authoritarian rule. He can be considered as one of the narcissistic figures as he established a hereditary autocracy known as the Rana regime, which centralized power within his family. This led to a prolonged period of authoritarian rule in Nepal, suppressing political dissent and limiting the freedom of the people. Under Jung Bahadur’s rule, Nepal adopted a policy of isolationism, closing its borders to the outside world. This hindered economic and social development in the country.
Narcissism can be seen as a major factor playing within the politics. Narcissism crept steadily into Nepali politics when CPN-UML and Maoist Center set aside differences and formed an electoral alliance in October. Pushpa Kamal Dahal had, before that, broken alliance with CPN-UML to become the prime minister. Politicians often claim that the decisions they make are for the betterment of people, but in reality they take such decisions to advance themselves. Dahal broke the alliance with UML for personal benefits. Durga Prasai can be seen labelled as narcissist in present day, considering his impact in social and political scenario, he could be in part hugely responsible for government’s decision to ban “tiktok” from social media platforms for Nepal.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Some features of narcissistic personality disorder are like those of other personality disorders. Also, it’s possible to be diagnosed with more than one personality disorder at the same time. This can make diagnosis more challenging. Diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder usually is based on our symptoms and how they impact our life. A physical exam is taken to make sure the patients don’t have any physical problem causing the symptoms. Guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association is additionally implied.
The treatments for NPD are forms of therapy, as well as pharmacologic (Narcissistic Personality Disorder, 2011). The core of treatment lies with individual psychotherapy, which consists mainly of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. In addition, other types of therapy may be utilized, such as family, group, couples therapies, plus cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Since NPD patients commonly have other psychiatric ailments like depression, anxiety or other mood disorders, certain psychotropic medications may also be administered.
While treatment for NPD largely remains outpatient, an indication for inpatient stay should occur if the patient severely worsens or becomes a threat to their own safety as well as others. Even with inpatient care, it is best to opt for shorter hospital times, as extended stays have not been reported to transform the course of the illness. The use of hospitalization ought to only be used as a short-term method which facilitates either the stabilization of environmental stressors, and/or regulation of drug dosages.
Implicit Narcissism: The Subtle Manifestations:
The world is full of difficult personalities, but the one that’s impossible to avoid is the narcissist. They are usually the most insecure people in the room, but have established a way of appearing ultra-confident. (CNBC) In most cases, highly narcissistic people are masters of gaslighting. Their primary goal in a relationship is to offset their insecurity by controlling and manipulating others.
In daily conversations, narcissistic individuals often employ subtle tactics to subtly assert their dominance. Statements like “I don’t want to make this about me, but…” serve as pseudo-disclaimers, allowing them to focus solely on themselves despite acknowledging the need to avoid dominating the conversation. When faced with the need to apologize, they deflect responsibility with phrases like “I’m sorry you feel that way,” implying that your feelings are solely your concern. The narcissistic ability to shift from offender to victim is evident in expressions like “Why are you doing this to me?” They dismiss others’ needs with claims of busyness, asserting, “I’m a busy person. I don’t have time for this.” Creating an aura of menace, they may threaten, “I hope you know who you’re messing with,” fostering compliance through fear. Finally, the belief in a separate set of rules manifests in protests of unfairness, whether facing consequences or confronting situations where they are not perceived as special.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, narcissism, whether exhibited at an individual or societal level, presents a complex interplay of traits that can have multifaceted effects. While a healthy level of self-confidence and ambition can be positive, an excessive focus on self, a lack of empathy, and manipulative behaviors associated with narcissism can lead to significant challenges. In various fields such as relationships, work, sports, and politics, the impact of narcissistic tendencies is evident. Recognizing and understanding these traits is crucial for fostering healthier interpersonal dynamics, promoting teamwork, and maintaining a balanced societal framework. Striking the right balance between individual aspirations and collective well-being remains an ongoing challenge in navigating the nuanced landscape of narcissism. As we continue to explore and address the social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of narcissism, the pursuit of empathy, collaboration, and self-awareness emerges as a key pathway toward healthier and more harmonious interactions in our interconnected world.
