What is Narcissism

Written by Dr. Sam Vaknin
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About Narcissism

A pattern of traits and behaviors which signify infatuation and
obsession with one's self to the exclusion of all others and the
egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and
ambition.

An all-pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour),
need for admiration or adulation and lack of empathy, usually
beginning by early adulthood and present in various contexts. Five (or
more) of the following criteria must be met:

*

Feels grandiose and self-important (e.g., exaggerates achievements and
talents to the point of lying, demands to be recognized as superior
without commensurate achievements)


*

Is obsessed with fantasies of unlimited success, fame, fearsome power
or omnipotence, unequalled brilliance (the cerebral narcissist),
bodily beauty or sexual performance (the somatic narcissist), or
ideal, everlasting, all-conquering love or passion


*

Firmly convinced that he or she is unique and, being special, can only
be understood by, should only be treated by, or associate with, other
special or unique, or high-status people (or institutions)


*

Requires excessive admiration, adulation, attention and affirmation -
or, failing that, wishes to be feared and to be notorious
(narcissistic supply)


*

Feels entitled. Expects unreasonable or special and favorable priority
treatment. Demands automatic and full compliance with his or her
expectations


*

Is "interpersonally exploitative", i.e., uses others to achieve his or
her own ends


*

Devoid of empathy. Is unable or unwilling to identify with or
acknowledge the feelings and needs of others


*

Constantly envious of others or believes that they feel the same about
him or her


*

Arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes coupled with rage when
frustrated, contradicted, or confronted

Thank you for quoting my work:

http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/indexqa.html

A lot more about Narcissism, Pathological Narcissism, The Narcissistic
Personality Disorder (NPD), the Narcissist, and Relationships with
Abusive Narcissists and Psychopaths - he

http://www.narcissistic-abuse.com/

Have a sunshine weekend.

Sam Vaknin