Non-pathological narcissism: what it is, how it affects us and signs to detect it

Narcissism can be understood as a personality trait with which we refer to excessively self-centered people or as a psychological disorder.

The term narcissism comes from a well-known Greek myth about a young man named Narcissus. Narcissus was so vain that he ignored the love of the nymph Echo and fell in love with her own reflection in the pond. Though he tried with all his might, Narcissus couldn't get her reflection's attention, since it wasn't human. And as a result, he wasted away and died of anguish with a broken heart.

Although many successful people behave in a way that could be considered narcissistic, not all people who think highly of themselves and have high self-esteem, they may be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. personality.

The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) says that these personality traits, to be considered pathological and, therefore, in order to diagnose the disorder, they must significantly affect health, and not adjust or change over the course of life. life. They must also occur continuously over time. Individuals diagnosed with the disorder must also have significant problems due to these traits, or have impaired functional abilities.

In this article we will establish the differences between normal narcissism or non-pathological narcissism and that which is part of a disorder, the traits of narcissism and pathological narcissism, which can be differentiated in the assessment made by the people about themselves, their relationship with others, and how narcissistic characteristics affect their lives daily.

• Related article: "The Major Theories of Personality"

What is non-pathological narcissism?

Non-pathological narcissism refers to the form of relationship with others in which the person acts expressing a very high self-esteem and a great sense of self.

There is a difference between normal narcissism, trait narcissism, and pathological narcissism. Self-centered people, who brag about their accomplishments or expect extra attention, may be labeled as narcissists, but it is important to understand that these behaviors do not have the same meaning as narcissism pathological.

If you're wondering if you could be a narcissist, then you probably aren't. A person with narcissistic personality disorder cannot see anything wrong with himself and would never question whether he is a narcissist. A person who has narcissistic traits focuses on self much more than others.

Narcissism is not 100% bad as is sometimes believed; moreover, a bit of narcissism is normal and necessary. With a relatively high level of narcissism, one can be empathetic and compassionate, as well as competitive, and present a correct level of self-esteem. "normal" narcissism is considered a natural expression of self-preservation, although if it exceeds a level, even if it does not become pathological, it is considered an unhealthy condition.

Some people labeled as average may exhibit certain narcissistic traits that are considered problematic, including feeling superior to others, for example. This is not considered pathological narcissism, and it is more common in today's world than people think, due to the added value that some egocentric behaviors represent in the professional career. But, Although not considered a pathology, narcissistic personality traits can limit life of people considered narcissistic. They may not connect with others in a meaningful way and engage in self-destructive behaviors that can affect their mental health.

• You may be interested: "The 3 differences between narcissism and egocentrism"

Relationship between narcissism and self-esteem

Narcissism considered normal and unaffected by life is commonly associated with a good level of self-esteem. Although, when we talk about self-esteem, we must emphasize that people with good self-esteem not only care about themselves, they also care about the needs of others, which is not the case in the narcissism.

A person has an accurate self-esteem and evaluation of himself when he does not aspire to be below his capacities nor above her classification in the possible hierarchy that occurs in relationships, for example, as a couple or labor.

Self-esteem must be at a proper point of balance. It is evident that self-esteem cannot be too low, since that is not good for a person and affects their mental health. A perceived low self-esteem can make a person feel inadequate, inferior, and incapable, which can cause some major psychological problems.

Therefore, there is a continuum of self-esteem, from not enough to too much. Both ends of the scale are unhealthy for the psyche. Placing narcissism in unhealthy places on the scale.

• Related article: "Albert Bandura's Self-Efficacy: Do You Believe in Yourself?"

Narcissism and society

Normal narcissism and narcissistic personality traits rank at different places on the self-esteem scale. Although the debate is still open as to how high self-esteem is considered a narcissistic trait, and how beneficial it is in today's society.

For some authors, in certain situations and professions, achieving optimal performance requires higher than average self-esteem/confidence. They refer to this as high self-esteem and explain that it goes beyond what would be considered normal, but can still adapt to the current situation. Some examples of jobs/situations where high self-esteem would be beneficial are war heroes or business leaders.

However, some have suggested that narcissism is a disorder that can only be suffered by people who live in the most rich, because in less developed countries people have to worry about basic needs like housing and food. In more developed countries, people have more time to focus on themselves, which can be considered a higher level in the hierarchy of needs for Abraham Maslow.

Certain professions, such as medicine, law, and science, can attract narcissists in cultures that encourage individualism and self-gratification at the expense of community. In the same way, narcissists can thrive in cultures that honor individuality and self-gratification more than community.

• You may be interested: "How to overcome insecurity: 5 psychological tips"

Narcissism vs pathological narcissism

Some studies have shown that differences in the dimensions of narcissism are related to indicators of positive and negative psychological functioning. Narcissism can be pathological, showing a connection to aggression, low self-esteem, internalizing problems, and an inaccurate sense of one's relationships. In contrast, non-pathological narcissism was related to high self-esteem and aggression, while it was associated with negative internalization problems.

People with narcissistic personality disorder differ from people with non-pathological forms of narcissism because they focus only on themselves. People who present pathological forms of narcissism do not think about how their actions can benefit others. others, unlike someone with narcissistic traits who, although self-interested, can consider others the rest. Non-pathological narcissistic people, they do not act selflessly, but understand that taking others into account can bring personal benefits.

Narcissistic people are competitive, confident, and bold. They are able to charm others and make them believe that they are special. Their intelligence, persuasiveness, and self-confidence allow them to lead without hesitation and expect people to follow their orders. Their self-confidence comes from a belief in their own talent and abilities. Although this makes them occupy leadership positions, their lack of consideration for others and sense of entitlement can cause problems for the rest, but they can lead an adapted life.

In contrast, narcissistic personality disorder is a condition in which a person's self-esteem is unhealthy and is regulated through a distorted ego structure, with an overly arrogant self that the person has to protect and support. Self-esteem is maintained through defensive tactics considered non-adaptive. Narcissistic personality disorder has been described as the focus of attention on the ego or the ego's investment in libido.

• Related article: "5 signs of poor mental health that you should not overlook"

conclusion

We could say that there are different levels of narcissism. Narcissism considered normal, the traits of narcissism (not pathological) and pathological narcissism. In the case of narcissism considered normal, narcissism is linked to self-preservation, and a high level of self-esteem, but adequate, characteristics that are presented together with competitive traits, where there is also a capacity for empathy and compassion.

If the capacity for empathy is diminished or practically null, and self-esteem is above average, we speak of non-pathological narcissism. It is considered non-pathological, since the person does not present maladaptive behaviors, and may even lead a life full of work and social success, in addition narcissism is a valued characteristic in society current. But although valued, it is problematic for the people who suffer from it, who can feel empty and disconnected from others, and for the environment that suffers from a lack of empathy and selfishness.

In the case of narcissistic personality disorder, self-esteem is unhealthy and the ego is distorted. Diagnosed people present functional problems in daily life and maladaptive behaviors that persist over time and do not change, in addition to psychological discomfort.