When you hear the word narcissism, you might conjure up images of a proud, arrogant, self-promoting man. This personality trait, which involves an overt sense of grandiosity, self-assertion, and superiority, is actually more common in men.
That’s because these core characteristics closely align with traditional masculine traits. Up to 75% 10% of people diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder are men.
But the reality is that narcissism is a modern epidemic that affects men and women alike. Our new research shows that Published in Sex Rolesshows that narcissism manifests differently in women, but that narcissistic women can be just as dangerous and violent as men.
Our research shows that women who are high in narcissism tend to be more vulnerable and anxious than men, which means that they can be overlooked by clinical professionals. For example, Misdiagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder.
Narcissism is a complex personality trait. Full-blown narcissistic personality disorder is less common, but 1-2% of the populationWe all have narcissism to varying degrees.
Narcissistic personality traits are expressed in two forms: grandiose and vulnerable. People with more grandiose traits are self-confident and socially dominant. People with more vulnerable traits are introverted and have low self-esteem. Both forms share a hostile core, marked by a high level of entitlement and a willingness to exploit others.
In the context of intimate relationships, narcissism Similarly associated Male perpetrators of violence. When self-esteem is threatened, it can evoke feelings of shame, humiliation and damaged pride, which can lead to aggressive behaviour.
Although women are less likely to exhibit typical signs of narcissism, that doesn’t mean that narcissism is less prevalent among women. For example, there are many reality TV stars who are notorious for their self-centeredness and vanity, traits that are often associated with narcissism.
But female narcissism is more than self-absorption. Vulnerable narcissism includes characteristics such as emotional vulnerability, low self-esteem, and inhibitions. These characteristics overlap with traditional notions of femininity. This gender difference in narcissism may stem from gender-specific stereotypes about masculinity and femininity that are ingrained in us from childhood.
As a result, men tend to display more exaggerated features and women tend to display more vulnerable features. In part A parenting style that aims to make boys more proactive and girls more nurturing.
But there’s a danger that female narcissism can be interpreted as less harmful, given our initial impression that women are softer, more caring, more passive and more vulnerable than men. Beneath this persona can lie a lack of empathy, a strong sense of entitlement and a willingness to exploit others.
This suggests that men and women can be aggressive or violent. Another wayFor example, narcissistic women are more likely to be manipulative, rumor-spreading, and passive-aggressive than narcissistic men.
Our recent study is the first to examine this: in a survey of 328 adults (176 women, 152 men), we explored the complex dynamics between childhood experiences, narcissism, and male and female intimate partner violence perpetration.
Participants completed an online survey and were asked questions about their personality traits. The study found that both the grandiosity and vulnerability traits of narcissism were associated with Pathological Narcissism TestParticipants were also asked to indicate any conflicts that may have arisen in past or current intimate relationships.
Men scored higher on grandiose narcissism, while women scored higher on vulnerable narcissism. Despite these notable gender differences, it’s important to remember that narcissism exists along a spectrum: men can exhibit vulnerable traits, and women can also exhibit grandiose traits.
Grandiose narcissism in men was associated with higher rates of perpetrating controlling, bullying, and manipulative psychological violence against their partners.
Somewhat surprisingly, grandiose narcissism in men was not associated with perpetrating physical violence, which contradicts previous studies that measured narcissism in different ways. But overall, men are more likely than women to perpetrate violence, so it’s likely that some narcissistic men are violent.
More surprisingly, vulnerable narcissism in women was associated with higher rates of perpetration of physical, sexual, and psychological partner violence.It is important to note here that not all women with vulnerable narcissistic traits are violent.
Rather, certain features of vulnerable narcissism, such as dismissing others (assigning exaggerated negative qualities to others) and entitled anger (getting angry when one doesn’t get what one believes is their right), are associated with violent behavior.
Women who excel these traits are more likely to be shamefully dependent on the praise of others, and as a result, more likely to react violently in an attempt to control their self-esteem and emotions. Gain a seat of power.
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For women, recalling being blessed with maternal affection during childhood was associated with lower levels of vulnerable narcissism and subsequent violent behavior toward a partner, suggesting that there may be buffers that can be recognized and built into intervention programs.
Identifying a Narcissistic Woman
Despite longstanding evidence that narcissistic men are more violent than women, our research shows that narcissistic women are not only more verbally aggressive in general, Depicted in the studyand may become physically violent towards their partners.
Nevertheless, the way narcissistic women abuse others may not be recognized as typical of narcissism. Instead, they use their identity as a woman to exploit societal expectations that women are caring and passive.
This may include Exploiting the victim mentality To gain a position of power and control. Underhanded tactics include blackmailing with (false) allegations of abuse, withholding intimacy and affection, using motherhood to turn children against their partner, or physically assaulting a partner and then claiming it was self-defense to gain sympathy from law enforcement.
Our research challenges the stereotype that women are always the victims in abusive relationships. This balanced understanding promotes a more nuanced view of relationship dynamics and the role of gender in intimate relationships. By investigating the traits of narcissism in women, we can better recognize and uncover their true nature.
