The concept of “narcissism” has its roots in classical psychoanalysis, with Sigmund Freud who described him for the first time in 1914 in his essay Introduction to narcissism.
However, over the years, the term has been expanded and refined to describe different types of behavior and personality, and today, in clinical psychology, two main forms of narcissism are distinguished: over And cover. Specifically, Covert Narcissism is characterized by feelings of insecurity, shame and hypersensitivity, and manifests itself in less evident ways compared to Overt narcissism; It was James Masterson (1981) who developed a significant perspective, describing Covert Narcissism as a mask of self -sufficiency and reserve that hides a profound sense of vulnerability.
Although the DSM-5 inserts the narcissism In personality disorders, it does not make the distinction between the over and cover form; However, it is important to highlight that when it comes to the form cover We refer to a picture in which the individual openly manifests a sense of grandeura strong need for admiration and one lack of empathy. More specifically, the term “over” refers to the visible and manifest nature of these behaviors and attitudes.
This type of narcissism, also defined grandiose narcissismis often easily recognizable and differs considerably from its “cover” counterpart, in which the narcissistic traits are more thin and hidden.
The understanding of Overt narcissism is of fundamental importance for mental health specialists, as this disorder can have significant impacts both on the individual and on its interpersonal relationships, requesting a specific therapeutic approach for its management.
The characteristics of the Narcisist Overt
The traits of Overt narcissism include an exaggerated sense of personal importancea constant need for admiration and the lack of empathy.
The grandiose narcissist tends to exhibit his superiority, trying to dominate others through arrogant attitudes and aggressive behavior.
The person suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder is perceived as extraordinarily competent or superior to the others, even in the absence of concrete evidences in support of this perception. This stretch of grandeur manifests itself through self -celebration and the tendency to devalue or despise those who do not recognize their status or question it.
On the contrary, among the distinctive features of the narcissist Overt we can find insecurity and vulnerability, with the subject who tends to mask his grandeur through the use of passive or victim attitudes.
Despite the apparent differences, both forms of narcissism share one distorted vision of oneself and aextreme sensitivity to criticism (Røvik, 2019). In Overt Narcissism, however, the response to a narcissistic wound, or the perception of a threat to the grandiose image of oneself, is often aggressive or vindictive.
Among the most common characteristics of Overt Narcissism, it is possible to find exhibitionist behavior, the need to be constantly at the center of attention and a frequent use of interpersonal relationships in order to strengthen one’s self -esteem. For example, the narcissist in love may appear fascinating and seductive at the beginning, but his inability to experience empathy and to build authentic emotional bonds often leads to toxic and dysfunctional relationships (Campbell & Miller, 2011).
If you recognize, in a person with whom we relate, the potential signs of an Overt narcissism, how to behave? There is no univocal response because each relationship is in itself and each of us is different. In general, it is important to ask whether you are willing to remain next to the other person or not, since a relationship with a pathological narcissist can be demanding on an emotional level and lead to a toxic relationship.
Narcisista Covert and Overt: what differences?
There difference between the narcissist Overt and Covert It manifests itself mainly in the way the person interacts with others.
Overt narcissism is more recognizable and is characterized by an self -centered and exhibitionist personality. Cover Narcissism, on the other hand, is less evident. People with this type of narcissism tend to avoid clearly arrogant behaviors and may appear introverted or sensitive. The distinctive features include:
- introverted personalitywith a high sensitivity to criticism
- self -pity and search for compassion from others
- resentment For the success or admiration of others, often feeling misunderstood or not very appreciated
- attitude passive-aggressive
- chronic dissatisfactionsince they do not receive admiration they believe they deserve.
How does Overt narcissism develop?
The causes that lead to the development of Overt narcissism are manifold and complex: specifically, classical psychodynamic theory hypothesizes narcissism as the result of a narcissistic wound experienced in the childhood.
This wound can derive from a excessively critical or overprotective parentwhich prevents the child from developing a healthy and autonomous self -esteem (Kernberg, 1975). According to Kohut (1977), another important exponent of psychoanalytic psychology, narcissists develop this disorder as a reaction to a failure in the refusal process: the parents, instead of providing adequate emotional support and recognition, may have neglected or hyper-idealized the child, leading him to develop a great self-detached self from reality.
Also i cultural and social factors They can contribute to the development of Overt Narcissism. In fact, modern society, with its emphasis on individual success, physical beauty and public recognition, can promote narcissistic behaviors, encouraging self -freedom and competitiveness.
In particular, the increasing use of social media has aggravated these trends, offering an ideal platform for the narcissist Overt, who finds in the “likes” and in the “followers” a continuous confirmation of his grandeur (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).
The Narcisist Overt in pairs and in interpersonal relationships
Overt narcissism has a strong impact on psychological well -being and interpersonal relationships: on an individual level, the constant need to feel admired and the lack of empathy can lead to problems of self -esteem, anxiety and depression.
Although apparently the narcissist Overt may seem like a person who has high consideration of himself, in reality he is fragile and dependent on external recognition. In situations where it is not possible to get the desired attention or admiration, it can live feelings of emptiness and dissatisfactionwhich can often lead to episodes of anger or aggression.
As for sentimental relationships, the Narcissist Overt in love He tends to see the partner more as a tool to feed his ego, rather than as a person with whom to build a genuine and mutual connection.
At the beginning it may appear fascinating and idealizing, however becoming with the passage of time increasingly critical and overhanging, highlighting severe difficulty in accepting the partner’s imperfections or compromising.
This type of dynamic can compromise long -term relationships, since the partner is likely to feel the victim of emotional abuses and emotional manipulations such as Love Bombing and Gaslighting. In fact, the narcissist Overt struggles to recognize the needs of the other and to create a true emotional intimacy (Wright, 2017).
Even in the social and working sphere, Overt Narcissism can generate problematic dynamics, since those who are affected tend to want to dominate colleagues, take merit of the successes of others and react negatively to criticism.
This type of attitude can damage professional relationshipscausing conflicts that reduce productivity and create tensions within the working group (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In addition, grandiose narcissism involves a greater risk of developing mood disorderslike depression, especially in case of personal or professional failures. When the grandiose image is questioned, the Narcisist Overt can come across a vicious circle of self -pity or manifest self -destructive behaviorlike the abuse of substances. Even in sexuality, the narcissist Overt can adopt risky practices, often aimed at obtaining a continuous confirmation of his own value (Campbell, Riceh & Sedikides, 2002).
The treatment of Overt narcissism
For psychologists and psychotherapists, the treatment of Overt narcissism can be particularly difficult, since those who often suffer from it do not recognize that they have a problem and therefore tend to resist therapy.
For this reason, a fundamental aspect is represented by the construction of a relationship of trust between patient and therapist. Often, those suffering from Overt narcissism do not enter therapy for a desire for personal change, but because of difficulties at relational or professional level, or following a crisis, such as a separation or problems that may arise at work.
One of the most used methodologies with Overt narcissism is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to identify and subsequent correction of dysfunctional thoughts that feed narcissistic behavior.
The CBT helps the patient to become aware of his own mental distortions and to develop healthier and more realistic ways to manage self -esteem (Beck et al., 1979).
Another type of possible approach is psychodynamic psychotherapy, who tries to explore the unconscious conflicts and the emotional wounds which can be at the base of narcissism.
This methodology aims to make the patient understand the patient the inner dynamics that influence his behavior, thus promoting a profound and lasting change, especially through the reworking of trauma or insecurities experienced in the childhood.
Even if the Overt narcissism can be resistant to therapy, the searches about it shows that with a prolonged path and a strong therapeutic alliance, it is possible to obtain significant progress In the management of symptoms (Kernberg, 1984; Ronningstam, 2016; Kealy, Ogrodniczuk, Hadjipavlou, 2017; Clarkin, Yeomans, Kernberg, 2015).
In addition, even the techniques that include MindFulness and acceptance can be supported, helping the patient to develop greater awareness of one’s emotions and better manage aggression and impulsiveness (Sauer-Zavala et al., 2012).
Understanding Overt narcissism: a shared challenge
Overt narcissism represents a complex challenge both for those who suffer from it and for those involved in its relational dynamics. The recognition of this disorder and the understanding of the underlying causes is of fundamental importance to encourage the development of effective therapeutic strategies and the maintenance of healthier relationships.
Although the Narcisist Overt can initially adopt one resistance towards changea targeted therapeutic intervention can accompany it in a construction of a more balanced vision of self and develop interpersonal relationships of greater authenticity and satisfaction.
It must also be kept in mind how much the awareness and treatment of Overt narcissism do not constitute only an individual, but also social question, since this disorder has a significant impact on relational, work and cultural dynamics. It is therefore important that mental health professionals and society as a whole deal with this problem with empathy and understanding, promoting the personal growth and psychological well -being of those who suffer from it.
