How to Identify the 3 Types of Narcissists
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Calling someone a narcissist is one of those terms we tend to throw around without really knowing much about it. If you've ever had a friend open up about a bad romantic relationship, chances are they may have used this term in a fleeting way to describe their former partner without ever really explaining what they mean by it.
But narcissism is a personality disorder, says Monica Vermani, PsyD, a clinical psychologist based in Canada and the author of A Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas. “When most people talk about narcissism, they could be referring to it as a part of someone’s personality or as a narcissistic personality disorder,” says Vermani. Narcissistic personality disorder or (NPD) is a medical diagnosis that can be assessed and given only by a medical professional. Like most diagnoses, narcissism exists on a spectrum, which can make it even more difficult to ascertain in an individual.
Dealing with a narcissist can be incredibly challenging, confusing, and frustrating, but understanding what you're experiencing is the first place to start. Here are the common types of narcissism, how to know which type you may be dealing with, and common traits of narcissists.
Defining the 3 types of narcissism
There are many types of narcissism, but the three most well-known are covert, overt, and malignant.
Covert narcissism
According to Vermani, this is the most common type of narcissism. It's also known as vulnerable or closet narcissism. “While someone with covert narcissism is highly self-focused, they also harbor a deep fear or sense of not being enough,” explains Vermani. She adds that unlike overt narcissists, covert narcissists are more likely to internalize criticism and take it more harshly than it was intended.
Overt narcissism
This is sometimes referred to as grandiose or agentic narcissism. “This type of narcissism is what most people associate with a narcissistic personality,” explains Vermani. “Overt narcissists tend to overestimate their emotional intelligence and abilities.” These individuals are more likely to feel good about themselves, as opposed to covert narcissists, but will feel uncomfortable with emotions like sadness, worry, or loneliness.
Malignant narcissism
This is a severe type of narcissism and can cause many issues for the individual living with this disorder, says Vermani. “More closely connected to overt than covert narcissism, the malignant narcissist may have many common traits of narcissism, along with traits of antisocial personality disorder,” she says. These individuals may be more likely to experience substance abuse disorder or even legal troubles.
How can you identify each type of narcissism?
Each type of narcissism has its own set of features and identifiers. Here’s what to look for.
Signs of covert narcissism
According to Vermani, someone with covert narcissism will typically be introverted and have an avoidant attachment style. They may have low self-confidence, insecurity, and a quick defensiveness. They have a high likelihood of experiencing anxiety, depression, and shame, and “a tendency to feel victimized and see themselves as the victim in situations,” says Vermani. A covert narcissist will express low self-esteem, exhibit clinginess, or become distant/walk away when others try to set boundaries with them.
Signs of overt narcissism
These individuals will be more outgoing, exploitative, and controlling, says Vermani. “They will have an exaggerated self-image and a constant need to be praised and admired,” she says. They may come off as entitled, rude, dismissive, arrogant, and overbearing.
Signs of malignant narcissism
A malignant narcissist may appear vindictive and aggressive when interacting with others. “Paranoia, heightened worry with respect to potential threats, sadism, and deriving enjoyment or pleasure from inflicting pain on others” are common, says Vermani.
Can a person be more than one type of narcissist?
It's important to note that “narcissism as a personality disorder is rare,” according to Carder Stout, PhD, a Los Angeles–based psychologist and author of Lost in Ghost Town, a memoir. Less than 5 percent of the population struggles with NPD.
With that being said, there are also characteristics that are shared by different types of narcissists. Many people with NPD also have comorbid clinical disorders that complicate their narcissistic behaviors and symptoms, says Vermani.
“We all have narcissistic tendencies—self-centeredness, vanity, belief that we are in the right—but to possess the qualities of a diagnosable narcissist is rare,” says Stout. “If someone is clearly displaying signs of grandiose thinking, exaggerated self-importance, and lack of concern for others, they are probably an overt narcissist. If you find these traits to be more subtle and hidden, they may fall into the category of being covert. Malignant narcissists are usually the ones we read about who have committed grave offenses that are not condoned by society.”
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