Probably each of us was learning the Greek myth about Narcissus – a man of extraordinary beauty, who fell in love with his reflection, and unable to touch him, stopped drinking and eating, which led to his death. The psychological approach to narcissism in a way draws from an ancient story – it is a personality disorder, and in the mild version – a character trait consisting in the fact that a person has a constant need to be better, respected, cannot put himself in someone else’s place or show compassion. A person with narcissistic tendencies can be snobbish, arrogant and egocentric because they feel that they have been endowed with exceptional abilities or talents. Paradoxically, it is also sensitive, and criticism, even constructive, results in the withdrawal and displacement of negative opinions from the narcissist’s consciousness.
Personality disorders are influenced by many different factors. In case of narcissism these include the way parents treat their children. The disease can arise in both those who have not experienced parental love and sufficient attention, and those who have been overly controlled or overly criticized.
Greater tendency to show symptoms narcissistic will also have people with family history of the disease, as well as people affected by a traumatic event, for example, being a victim of rape or harassment by their peers.
Types of narcissism
There are five types narcissismby breaking them down according to their special symptoms. The first is narcissism perfect characterized by an absolutely perfect self-perception, being demanding and offended whenever something goes wrong. The second is the so-called charming type – such a person has a lot of personal charm, which he can properly use and always puts himself in the center of attention. The third variety is narcissism flexible – in this case, the person affected by this mental disorder can be a perfect manipulator, adopts appropriate masks depending on the environment, is lying and does not take responsibility for what he does in an incorrect way.
The fourth variant is the sensitive – his personality is focused on making a victim of himself, arousing pity, and playing on other people’s emotions. The last type is narcissism aggressive, otherwise known as sadistic – a sick person has imperious tendencies; to get what he wants, he uses violence, both mental and physical, and never apologizes for the harm done. Type recognition narcissism it is very important when taking treatment and the way in which you can learn to live with people on a daily basis narcissistic.
Make any loved one relationship it is considered very difficult and complicated for people with this disorder. In relationship they treat their partner as a puppet that they can play with and use to meet their needs.
Only their opinion and feelings count, they manipulate others because they consider themselves impeccable – victims of such relationship they have a completely disturbed self-esteem, resulting from the fact that they are constantly humiliated and treated as an unnecessary element.
It is definitely easier to learn narcissism in the form of a character trait. By working with loved ones and trying to gain control over your behavior, you can largely reduce the symptoms of self-love. The problem, however, comes in aspect narcissism as a personality disorder.
In this case, the help of a therapist is necessary, which, even though it lasts several years, may not bring the intended results. In cure the willingness to improve one’s character and to cooperate with the doctor is very important. It becomes a necessity to have an open attitude, noticing your flaws and trying to perceive yourself as equal to other people. Unfortunately a lot of people with personalities narcissistic he is not able to survive to the end treatment.