NARCISSITIC PERSONALITY

Question 1

DEFINITION

Answer 1

-some one who gains pleasure from admiring themselves

Question 2

GRANDIOSITY

Answer 2

• overwhelming degree of self-importance
• feel like they are superior and unique to everyone else although no firm basis for this
• they fantasise about their overstated abilities and imagine themselves to be powerful and successful individuals with a special place in society

Question 3

ARROGANCE/VANITY

Answer 3

• they boast of their achievements which are completely non-existent or grossly exaggerated
• people often find this entertaining so narcissists are often tolerated and listen to by those who enjoy a story as they can be charming and friendly
• aim to fish for compliments to satisfy their need for admiration and gain recognition for their talents
• therefore expect others to defer to them and tend to degenerate others and disparage their abilities as no amount of recognition is enough for them

Question 4

LACK OF EMPATHY

Answer 4

• they are jealous and contemptuous of others and express their views openly
• they are so focused on their own needs they fail to acknowledge others feelings
• they lack sensitivity and empathy because they don’t understand the impact of their behaviour on others

Question 5

BULLYING

Answer 5

• tend to be bullies
• need for admiration means they cultivate relationships with people who give them the admiration they crave
• shun those who fail to stroke their ego and in some cases bully

Question 6

HEIGHTENING SENSE OF OWN SUPERIORITY

Answer 6

• abusing others enhances the narcissists sense of superiority
• confirms in their own mind they are strong formidable and successful
• confirms to others they are a bully

Question 7

OVERSENSITIVE TO CRITICISM

Answer 7

• finely tuned sense of criticism from others
• even mildest form of disagreement takes huge significance
• questioning by others threatens their grandiose sense of self importance
• criticism can be perceived such as detecting sarcasm where none is intended
• this may be a defence against feelings of intense humiliation and rejection they feel when they are being criticised