Narcissists' Responses to Insights About Self-Centeredness
In this article, we delve into the various reactions that individuals with narcissistic tendencies may exhibit when confronted with information about their behaviour. These reactions can be psychological, emotional, and behavioural.
Highly narcissistic individuals often respond to such information in a destructive, chaotic, dramatic, delusional, and antisocial manner. However, it's important to note that most highly narcissistic people do not change, and in many cases, they become worse as they age and others become more aware and less tolerant of their unhealthy tendencies.
One common question that arises is how a covert, malignant narcissist might react to an article like this. Aggressive reactions can take many forms, from a one-time occurrence such as a nasty comment or threat, to continuous attacks and stalking. Some narcissistic people may exhibit indifference towards learning about human behaviour and narcissism, while others might project their traits onto the authors, claiming that those discussing narcissism are overly sensitive, reactionary, or the real narcissists.
Narcissistic people are incredibly fragile and sensitive, despite posturing as strong and without weaknesses. This fragility can lead to feelings of deep shame, which are often followed by strong anger or rage, a phenomenon known as narcissistic rage. This rage is triggered by a narcissistic injury, a perceived threat to a narcissistic person's self-esteem.
When confronted with an article about narcissism, a narcissistic person typically reacts defensively or with denial. They often dismiss or devalue the content to protect their self-image. This behaviour has been observed in psychological studies on online self-presentation and social media use by individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
However, it's not all doom and gloom. Some people with strong narcissistic tendencies exhibit a malignant curiosity about psychology and human behaviour. They may even seek to learn more about their traits and tendencies, albeit for self-serving purposes such as seeking false validation and narcissistic supply to manage feelings of shame, self-loathing, and inferiority.
For a deeper understanding of how narcissists act when feeling upset or threatened, you can read my previous article titled "How Narcissists Act When Feeling Upset or Threatened."
In conclusion, understanding the reactions of individuals with narcissistic tendencies is crucial in navigating interactions with them. Whether it's aggression, denial, or a quest for knowledge, these responses are all part of the narcissistic landscape.
