[FRIAM] narcissism

[uǝlƃ ☣]

What little lit. I've seen so far argues that vulnerable narcissists don't tend to embark on difficult tasks. One paper argues they "self-handicap" so that they will never be in a position such that they fail. There are other "defensive" tactics as well. The paper argues that vulnerable types rely heavier on the defensive tactics than the grandiose types. And one of the videos Frank posted talks about narcissists living in their parents' basements, yet claiming they'll become a big-time movie producer.


On 4/29/20 3:33 PM, Steven A Smith wrote:
> I am conflicted by this. 
> 
> I have known people whose very competence seems to be significantly a
> product of both their grandiose and their vulnerable narcissism.   They
> think they are highly capable, so they take on challenges that a less
> confident person may not, and it is this very confidence that seems to
> provide a certain amount of momentum to make good progress.   The
> vulnerable side/aspect/version of this is often so afraid of being
> embarrassed that they work extra hard.... dot all their i's and cross
> all their t's.  For the most part, this combination may still lead an
> individual to be grandiose (over-estimate their ability) and vulnerable
> (thin-skinned, self-protective of criticism), but overall effective and
> not necessarily pathological to others.
> 
> On the other hand, I have known individuals whose narcissism (both
> grandiosity and hyper-vulnerability) seems to make them highly
> *incompetent*.   They ignore all evidence that they are clueless and
> they react punishingly to anyone who challenges their grandiosity.
> 
> Perhaps one of the distinctions between these two versions is their
> level of circumstantial power/privilege.  Perhaps whether it is having a
> certain inherent charisma, a powerful family, wealth, or even ability
> (physical or intellectual prowess)...   these individuals simply become
> bullies, using whatever advantage/leverage they have over others to
> suppress negative feedback.
> 
> I don't know if this is described in the DSM or in literature or amongst
> trained analysts and psychological professionals... it is just my
> anecdotal apprehension of yet another "two types of people" .

-- 
☣ uǝlƃ