5 Types of Narcissism and How to Spot Them
No two narcissists are exactly alike. Learn how narcissism exists on a spectrum.
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Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
A person who constantly seeks attention, is self-involved, and craves praise 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.
Narcissism is a personality trait that ranges along a spectrum. In this article, we explain the five types of narcissism, their signs, how to spot them, and the difference between narcissism and NPD.
Related: 12 Signs of a Vulnerable Narcissist
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 excessively competitive.
Their narcissistic behavior is obvious. Some common signs of someone with overt narcissism include the following:
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
A person with overt narcissism may perceive themselves as more emotionally intelligent (EI) than they actually are.
Related: Sociopath vs. Narcissist: What's the Difference?
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. Other common signs of covert narcissism include the following:
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 overt 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.
Other signs include of communal narcissism include:
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.
Related: Verywell Loved: Unpacking What Is—and Isn't—Narcissism in a Relationship
Antagonistic Narcissism
There is some research that suggests there is a subtype of overt 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.
A longitudinal study looked at narcissism and popularity in the development of peer relationships over time. Using data collected from psychology first-year students the results showed that grandiose narcissism was linked to initial popularity however among those with antagonistic behaviors, their popularity decreased in the long run.
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.
Malignant narcissism is considered a serious condition; however, in the current research, there is no formal structured interview or self-reported measures to identify malignant narcissism. This makes research and diagnosis difficult for this presentation.
An exploratory study looked at clinical changes in those with borderline personality disorder in relation to features considered those of malignant narcissism such as paranoid propensities, psychopathic features and a proclivity for sadistic interactions.
The results showed that those with malignant narcissism were more likely to have a slower rate of improvement in anxiety and global functioning.
Similar to overt narcissism, malignant narcissists constantly desire attention and praise; however, their behaviors to fulfill this need are extreme. Some common signs of malignant narcissism include the following:
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
Related: Can a Narcissist Love?
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 overt narcissism.
Read Next: How to Deal With a Narcissist
