The concept of narcissism has its roots in the history of psychology, starting from Sigmund Freud’s essay Introduction to narcissism of 1914. Since then, our understanding has evolved, leading clinical psychology to distinguish two main forms of narcissism: overt And covert.
While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) frames the narcissism among personality disorders, without this specific distinction, recognizing the different manifestations is fundamental. The overt narcissismin particular, is characterized by a sense of grandeur explicit, a constant need for admiration and a marked difficulty in feeling empathy. The term “overt” perfectly describes the visible nature of these attitudes.
This form, also known as narcissism greatis often easier to identify than its covert, more disguised and introverted counterpart. Understanding overt narcissism is an important step not only for mental health professionals, but for anyone who finds themselves interacting with these complex dynamics, which can significantly impact personal and relational life and require a specific approach to manage.
The characteristics of overt narcissism
Recognizing the signs of overt narcissism can help name complex relationship dynamics. Among the most evident characteristics of overt narcissism we find three central elements: an exaggerated sense of personal importancean insatiable need for admiration and a marked difficulty in trying empathy.
A person with traits of grandiose narcissism tends to appear superior, often with arrogant and dominant attitudes. It is perceived as exceptional competent and special, even when there is no concrete evidence to support this self-perception. This grandiosity manifests itself through constant self-congratulation and a tendency to devalue or criticize anyone who questions his supposed status.
It might seem like a paradox, but behind this facade of security often hide insecurity and vulnerability. Although overt and covert narcissism appear different, they share a common root: adistorted self-image and aextreme sensitivity to criticism (Røvik, 2019). The difference is in the reaction. Faced with a narcissistic wound – the perception of a threat to one’s image – the person with overt narcissism tends to respond in an openly aggressive or vindictive way, in an attempt to reaffirm their value.
Other typical behaviors include exhibitionism, the need to always be the center of attention and the tendency to use relationships to nourish one’s self-esteem. For example, the overt narcissist in love may seem incredibly charming at first, but difficulty empathizing and building an authentic connection can lead to toxic relationships with an overt narcissistoften dysfunctional and painful (Campbell & Miller, 2011).
If you recognize these signs in someone close to you, you may wonder what to do. There is no universal answer, because every relationship is unique. Dealing with a person with narcissistic traits can be very emotionally challenging, and in some cases, the relationship can become a toxic one. It is important, therefore, to take time to reflect on what is best for your well-being.
Overt narcissism vs. covert: main differences
Understanding the difference between covert and overt narcissist it is fundamental, because, although they share a core of grandeur and need for admiration, their manifestations are almost opposite. The distinction between overt and covert narcissism helps decipher behaviors that are otherwise difficult to decipher
The overt narcissismas we have seen, is explicit. The person appears outgoing, dominant and confident, seeking admiration through self-promotion.
The covert narcissism (or vulnerable), however, is more disguised. The person may appear shy, insecure or even victimized. Its grandeur is internal, a secret sense of superiority that clashes with a reality that does not recognize it as such. Its distinctive features include:
- an introverted personality and a high sensitivity to criticism, experienced as a personal attack;
- self-pity and tendency to position oneself as a victim to obtain compassion and attention;
- resentment and envy towards the success of others, accompanied by the feeling of being misunderstood or underestimated;
- passive-aggressive attitudes to express anger and frustration indirectly;
- chronic dissatisfactionresulting from the discrepancy between one’s grandiose expectations and reality.
How does overt narcissism develop?
There is no single answer to the question causes of overt narcissism. It is a complex picture, the result of the interaction between genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Psychodynamic theories, for example, suggest that it may arise from complex childhood experiences.
A possible origin lies in an emotional wound suffered during childhood. A family environment with a excessively critical or, on the contrary, overprotective parentcan hinder the development of a healthy and realistic self-esteem (Kernberg, 1975). Other theories, such as that of Kohut (1977), highlight a failure in the “mirroring” process, in which the child does not receive the right emotional recognition from the parents. This can happen either through emotional neglect or excessive idealization, encouraging the development of a grandiose self-image as a defense.
In addition to individual factors, also i cultural and social factors they play a role. Our society, which tends to glorify individual success, appearance and visibility, can unintentionally encourage narcissistic behavior. Self-promotion and competitiveness are the order of the day.
In this context, social media can become a sounding board, offering a privileged platform for seeking external confirmation, through “likes” and “followers”, it can fuel and reinforce a grandiose self-image (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).
The impact of overt narcissism in relationships
Living alongside, or in relation to, traits of overt narcissism can be very complex. The impact extends from individual to relational well-being. For the person himself, the constant search for admiration and the difficulty in feeling empathy, despite the confident appearance, hide a profound fragility and dependence on external judgement. When desired attention is not obtained, intense may emerge feelings of emptiness and dissatisfactionwhich sometimes lead to anger and aggression. This can encourage the development of difficulties related to self-esteem, anxiety and depressive symptoms.
In romantic relationships, a person with traits of overt narcissism in the emotional sphere can create particularly difficult dynamics. Often the partner is seen more as a mirror to confirm one’s own value than as a person with whom to build a mutual bond. The relationship may begin with intense idealization, but over time it can transform, leaving room for criticism and devaluation. The difficulty in accepting the defects of others and making compromises is a constant.
In the long term, these dynamics can become emotionally unsustainable. The partner may feel trapped in a cycle of emotionally abusive and manipulative dynamics, such as love bombing (intense initial idealization or love bombing) or gaslighting. The lack of true emotional intimacy, linked to the difficulty in recognizing the needs of the other, is one of the most painful aspects of these relationships (Wright, 2017).
The impact of overt narcissism at work and in friendships it can follow similar dynamics. The tendency to dominate, to take credit for the successes of others and the negative reaction to criticism can damage professional relationshipsgenerating conflicts and tensions that can compromise collaboration and reduce productivity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Finally, it’s important to remember that grandiose narcissism can increase the risk of developing mood disorders, such as depression, especially when faced with failure. When the self-image is damaged, the person can fall into a vicious circle of self-pity or implement self-destructive behaviors. Even the sphere of sexuality for the person with traits of overt narcissism it can become an arena for seeking validation, sometimes through risky sexual behavior (Campbell, Rudich & Sedikides, 2002).
The treatment of overt narcissism
The treatment of overt narcissism it is a path that can present various challenges. The main difficulty is that the person often does not recognize that they have a difficulty and may show resistance to therapy. For this reason, the first fundamental step consists in building a solid relationship of trust between patient and therapist.
It is not uncommon for a person with these traits to seek help not out of an intrinsic desire to change, but because they are driven by an external crisis: relationship difficulties, problems at work or a painful separation.
Among the most used approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify and modify dysfunctional thought patterns underlying narcissistic behaviors. The goal is to become aware of your own cognitive distortions and develop more adaptive and realistic strategies for regulating self-esteem (Beck et al., 1979).
Psychodynamic psychotherapy can also be very effective. This approach focuses on the exploration of unconscious conflicts and of emotional wounds pasts that could fuel narcissism. It helps the person understand the deep roots of their behavior, promoting more stable and lasting change.
Although overt narcissism can be resistant to therapy, research shows that with a prolonged journey and a strong therapeutic alliance, it is possible to obtain significant progress in symptom management (Kernberg, 1984; Ronningstam, 2016; Kealy, Ogrodniczuk, Hadjipavlou, 2017; Clarkin, Yeomans, Kernberg, 2015).
Furthermore, approaches based on mindfulness and acceptance can also be supportive, helping the patient to develop greater awareness of one’s emotions and to manage aggression and impulsivity more effectively (Sauer-Zavala et al., 2012).
A path to balance
Overt narcissism is a complex condition, a challenge both for the person who manifests its traits and for those around him. Recognizing it and understanding its origins is the first step in managing relational dynamics in a healthier and more conscious way.
Even if the resistance to change can be strong, a targeted therapeutic path can help build a more balanced vision of oneself and develop more authentic and satisfying relationships. Addressing these dynamics is not only an individual issue, but also a social one, given the impact they can have on family, work and society.
If you have recognized yourself in some of these descriptions or if you are facing a difficult relationship, remember that asking for help represents a gesture of great strength. A psychological journey can offer you a safe space to explore these dynamics and give you the tools to regain your well-being. At Evidence Network, we are here to support you: you can find the most suitable professional for you by filling out our questionnaire.
