The Truth About Narcissism

Narcissists cut a wide, swashbuckling figure through the world. At one end of the self-loving spectrum is the charismatic leader with an excess of charm, whose only vice may be his or her inflated amour-propre. At the far end of the spectrum reside individuals with narcissistic personality disorder, whose grandiosity soars to such heights that they are manipulative and easily angered, especially when they don't receive the attention they consider their birthright. Here's how to figure out whether the big talker in your office really believes his or her own hype.

Recent posts on Narcissism

Narcissistic or Not?

By Loren Soeiro, Ph.D. ABPP on February 13, 2017 in I Hear You
The entire millennial generation has been criticized as narcissistic and entitled. Can this really be true?
'Reality & Realities,' Face Thinking, CC 2.0

Plato’s Prognosis of “Alternative Facts”

The idea of a fact is one upon which virtually every aspect of human existence depends.

We Can Often See the Reflection of Our Narcissistic Side

Do external affirmations seem not to exist? Do you want to brag about yourself but you know you ought not? How do you build self-confidence without being narcissistic?

Focus On Trump's Acts, Not His Psychology

By Allen J Frances M.D. on February 11, 2017 in Saving Normal
We must challenge Trump on his outrageous behaviors and constant lies, not on his motivations and mental status.
austinadams/Shutterstock

Is Self-Love Healthy or Narcissistic?

By Tara Well Ph.D. on February 10, 2017 in The Clarity
Can you love yourself without being a narcissist? Research shows you how.

Idealization and Contempt

By Roberta Satow Ph.D. on February 09, 2017 in Life After 50
Do you know someone who cycles between idealization and devaluation? It may be an indicator of a personality disorder.

“Is Your Pet a Psychopath?”

How did deception evolve, and how do you know it's there? Learn these 4 simple, but overlooked signs.

Psychopaths, Sadists, and the Lure of Internet Aggression

By Traci Stein Ph.D., MPH on February 07, 2017 in The Integrationist
Internet trolls create chaos on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites. Read on to learn who they are, what motivates them, and why you should stop feeding them.
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Is There a Bully in Your Life?

By F. Diane Barth L.C.S.W. on February 07, 2017 in Off the Couch
Susan* is an extremely well-dressed, attractive woman in her early 50s. She has two grown children. And she is a bully. Is there any possibility that she could change her ways?

You Are Not Alone in Being Retraumatized by Trump

By Suzanne Lachmann Psy.D. on February 06, 2017 in Me Before We
Physical connection, emotional connection, and sharing your struggle with others will help you find strength and unity in this time of political upheaval.

Donald Trump: Is He as Unpredictable as He Seems?

By Leon F Seltzer Ph.D. on February 02, 2017 in Evolution of the Self
Writers have struggled to figure out just what is guiding our new President’s decision-making. This post should illuminate a subject that may have made you wonder, too.

Childrearing Beliefs Were Best Predictor of Trump Support

By Peter Gray Ph.D. on February 01, 2017 in Freedom to Learn
By assessing the mindset of Trump's earliest supporters, this political scientist predicted that Trump would do far better in the election than most at that time believed.

Are Narcissists Nastier to Their Romantic Partners?

By Gwendolyn Seidman Ph.D. on January 31, 2017 in Close Encounters
New research examines how narcissism affects the way couples interact with each other. It turns out that one partner’s narcissism may be especially problematic.

Are Gaslighters Aware of What They Do?

Are gaslighters aware they are manipulating others? It depends on the gaslighter.

You're So Vain

By Adrian Furnham Ph.D. on January 30, 2017 in A Sideways View
There is a great deal of interest in narcissism and many claims about who and why certain groups are clinically and sub-clinically narcissistic

Childhood Roots of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Can you tell if a child is a budding narcissist? Warning signs that self-worth is getting dangerous.
Tim Gouw/Unsplash.com

Narcissistic Injury

By Roberta Satow Ph.D. on January 27, 2017 in Life After 50
President Trump’s rage reactions exemplify how a narcissistic personality order responds to a narcissistic injury.

3 Steps to Handle a Narcissistic Boss

How to determine your priorities and act with purpose.

Psychology Predicts Popularity of Donald Trump's Presidency?

...ego-merchants are great on a first date, but tend to get tiresome further into a relationship, the ‘chocolate cake’ model also applies to leaders and their followers.

5 Ways to Ruin a Perfectly Good Relationship

Relationships that seem to be going well may, without your knowledge, be in trouble. New research on narcissism in relationships shows how to avoid the most common traps.

Gaslighting: Know It and Identify It to Protect Yourself

You may be a victim of gaslighting—no one is immune. Learn what it is so you can identify it before it sucks you in.

Occidental Tourist

Mindfulness looks different in the West than in the East. Balancing a focus on self and others.

7 Ways to Cope With Narcissists at Work

There's a pretty good chance that you have a narcissist in your workplace. Follow these steps to protect yourself.

Do You Have Empathy for People Who Don't? Should You?

Liking empathic individuals is easy. They’re caring and listen sympathetically. But appreciating, and getting along with, individuals without empathy can be really challenging.
K. Ramsland

The Measure of Cunning

By Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on January 15, 2017 in Shadow Boxing
We have many instruments for measuring IQ and personality traits, even psychopathy, but we need a precise instrument to learn more about criminal street smarts.

Porn, A Reflection of Our Culture

By Deborah J. Cohan, Ph.D. on January 14, 2017 in Social Lights
Should we be worried?

Teaching Values to Our Children

By Saul Levine M.D. on January 14, 2017 in Our Emotional Footprint
We say and teach children that civility is a core value in society: We extol respect, tolerance, compassion, kindness and cooperation. Our actions, however, often fall far short.

Was Frida Kahlo a Narcissist?

By Roberta Satow Ph.D. on January 13, 2017 in Life After 50
Why is there so much interest in Frida Kahlo? When she married Diego Rivera, he was a world-renowned painter and she was virtually unknown.

Impressive Compulsive Disorder

By Jeremy E Sherman Ph.D. on January 12, 2017 in Ambigamy
At the extreme, there's the pathological climber, the power-hoarder who doesn't care if winning the game destroys the game board. Trump is one.