Unraveling Narcissism

Understanding the Covert and Overt Forms

Photo by Alimarel on Unsplash

Narcissism is a complex, multifaceted trait that often leaves us wondering why some individuals wear their self-importance on their sleeve, while others hide behind a veil of insecurity. In today’s post, we’ll explore the two primary expressions of narcissism—overt (grandiose) and covert (vulnerable)—and discuss how both innate predispositions and environmental factors play a role in shaping these traits.

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What Is Narcissism?

At its core, narcissism involves a deep-seated need for admiration, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a lack of empathy for others. Whether it appears as a personality trait in everyday behavior or as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), the concept of narcissism is centered around self-centered antagonism. However, the way this antagonism is expressed can differ dramatically among individuals.