What is Grandiose Narcissism?

Are you feeling unworthy and devalued in your relationship? You may be dealing with a grandiose narcissist. Learn the key characteristics of grandiose narcissism, its impact on relationships, and tips on how to deal with this behavior.

Narcissism is a term that has gained significant traction in discussions around mental health, relationships, and societal dynamics. Among the different types of narcissism, grandiose narcissism (also known as overt narcissism) stands out for its exaggerated sense of self-importance, strong need for admiration, and lack of empathy for others. Here are the signs and symptoms of grandiose narcissism, its underlying causes, and the effects it has on relationships and society, as well as tips for how to deal with people who display this personality trait.

What is grandiose narcissism?

Grandiose narcissism is a subtype of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) characterized by arrogance, dominance, and a sense of superiority. Unlike vulnerable narcissism, which is marked by insecurity and hypersensitivity to criticism, grandiose narcissists are typically confident, assertive, and often appear charismatic. Believing they are entitled to special treatment and unlimited power, an overt narcissist will exhibit a superior attitude, inflated sense of self-importance, and desire for excessive admiration. Furthermore, people with this narcissistic behavior may go to great lengths to achieve the attention they desire, dismissing and belittling others in the process. 

Signs of grandiose narcissism

People with overt narcissism, or grandiose narcissists, typically exhibit a range of behaviors and attitudes that set them apart from others, often making them easily recognizable in social and professional settings. These narcissistic personality traits can lead to a challenging interpersonal dynamic that can affect various aspects of a narcissist’s life and the lives of those they interact with. 

1. Exaggerated sense of self-importance

Grandiose narcissists possess an inflated and unrealistic self-image, or grandiosity, that leads them to believe they are inherently superior to others, driving them to seek constant recognition, admiration, and validation. They have a deeply ingrained, unrealistic perception (or grandiose fantasy) that they are more talented, attractive, or important than those around them. These behaviors are often displayed in social settings, workplaces, or within family dynamics in order for a narcissist to maintain an image of superiority and competence.  

2. Lack of empathy

People with grandiose narcissistic personalities are often so consumed with their desires and ambitions that they fail to consider how their actions impact those around them. Due to a lack of empathy, it is difficult for a grandiose narcissist to form genuine connections with others, as they view relationships primarily through the lens of personal gain. Additionally, they are willing to manipulate and deceive other people stuck in narcissistic relationships, whether it is personal or professional, to advance their own goals, all while feeling no remorse. 

3. Arrogant and haughty behaviors

These types of narcissists may show disdain for those they view as inferior, often dismissing their opinions, achievements, or feelings as unworthy of consideration. This arrogance creates a noticeable power imbalance in their interactions, where the narcissist expects others to conform to their perception of superiority. Over time, this can lead the person experiencing narcissistic abuse to feel belittled, devalued, and have low self-esteem. 

4. Charming and manipulative

Lastly, while these people may seem charming and charismatic, it is often just a narcissistic tendency to create superficial charm in order to manipulate others and serve their own interests. Once they have achieved their desired goal of control or admiration, a grandiose narcissist may quickly lose interest in maintaining the facade of charm, revealing a more self-serving or dismissive attitude. This is a common, repetitive cycle of allure followed by emotional detachment that leaves others feeling used and deceived.

What causes grandiose narcissism?

The complex development of grandiose narcissism can be attributed to several factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, or a combination of them all. Whether these factors are learned or promoted throughout a person’s life, they can play a significant role in shaping narcissistic tendencies.

Genetic factors

Generally, people with a family history of NPD or related personality disorders, like borderline personality disorder, may be more predisposed to developing grandiose narcissism or narcissistic traits. While genetics alone do not determine the likelihood of these tendencies, an interaction with factors such as parenting styles or early social experiences can increase the chances of expressing signs of narcissism.

Early childhood experiences

Parenting styles play a crucial role in the development of children, and there are a number of hurtful styles that carry more of a possibility of causing the development of grandiose narcissism. Over-praising or excessive pampering, like a child being told they are special or superior, can make a child grow up with an inflated sense of self-importance, and deeply believe they are above everyone else. 

On the other hand, children who experience neglect or inconsistent affection might develop narcissistic tendencies as a defense mechanism, overcompensating feelings of inadequacy or rejection. This imbalance in nurturing can lead to an unhealthy need for validation and admiration in adulthood, where the person seeks constant affirmation of their worth from others.

Psychological factors

Certain personality traits, such as high extraversion and low agreeableness, are often associated with grandiose narcissism. Moreover, underlying insecurities or feelings of inadequacy may be masked by an exaggerated display of confidence and superiority, serving as a defense mechanism against confronting deeper emotional vulnerabilities. While they may appear outwardly self-assured and dominant, grandiose narcissists are usually driven by a fragile ego that relies on external validation to maintain their sense of worth. 

Impact of grandiose narcissism on relationships and society

Grandiose narcissism can have profound effects on both personal relationships and social dynamics, leading to toxic environments, conflict, and resentment when left unchecked. Understanding the signs of this narcissism and its impact on both close relationships and larger social or organizational settings is important for knowing how to navigate interactions with a narcissist. 

Interpersonal relationships

People who display grandiose narcissism often struggle to maintain healthy relationships due to their self-centered nature, lack of empathy, and manipulative behaviors. Partners, friends, and family members may feel neglected, undervalued, or even exploited by the narcissistic abuse they are experiencing. An abusive relationship with a grandiose narcissist can be emotionally draining and toxic, often marked by cycles of idealization and devaluation between the two parties. 

Workplace dynamics

In professional settings, grandiose narcissists may initially appear as confident and capable leaders, however, their constant need for admiration, lack of collaboration, and tendency to take credit for others’ work can create a toxic work environment. Over time, their manipulative behavior and inability to accept feedback can result in high turnover rates and poor overall team performance as trust and cooperation within the group are eroded.

How to deal with a grandiose narcissist

Interacting with a grandiose narcissist can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help manage such relationships. By following these tips, it is possible to be protected from their manipulative behaviors while minimizing conflict. 

1. Set boundaries

Grandiose narcissists are likely to push boundaries, making it essential to enforce them constantly, such as clearly defining limits and communicating them assertively. It is important to remain calm and unemotional when asserting limits to an overt narcissist, as they feed off of emotional reactions and may try to escalate situations to regain control. Furthermore, they may attempt to keep pushing and manipulate situations to get their way, but staying firm helps prevent the narcissist from taking advantage of an already stressful situation. 

2. Do not feed their ego

Encouraging a narcissist’s inflated sense of self can lead to more manipulative and demanding behavior, therefore, avoiding excessive praise or reinforcement of their grandiose behaviors is important. By not feeding into the grandiose narcissist’s ego, their reliance on external validation and attempts to dominate situations are reduced, and may even lead them to be discouraged from seeking constant approval, as they learn their narcissistic behaviors won’t yield their desired response. 

3. Prioritize self-care

Being around a grandiose narcissist can be emotionally exhausting, making it necessary to prioritize mental and emotional well-being, such as setting time aside for self-care activities and practicing mindfulness. By surrounding oneself with supportive people who can offer perspective and encouragement, it is possible to maintain emotional distance from the narcissist. 

4. Seek professional help

Seeking professional help is another useful strategy when someone is suffering from the emotional abuse of a grandiose narcissist. A mental health professional can provide guidance on coping strategies and ways to navigate the abusive relationship effectively by helping to establish healthy boundaries, improve communication, and build resilience in the face of the narcissist’s manipulative behavior. 

Additionally, counseling can offer a safe space to process emotions and gain insight into how narcissistic behavior may be affecting a person’s mental health and self-esteem.

Can grandiose narcissism be treated?

While there is no specific “cure” for narcissism, therapeutic interventions can help manage and reduce its negative effects, usually by means of psychotherapy. In particular, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches can be beneficial, as their treatment focuses on helping people with narcissistic traits develop greater self-awareness, empathy, and healthier interpersonal skills. 

However, successful treatment largely depends on the narcissistic person’s willingness to recognize their behavior and engage in the therapeutic process. Without a genuine commitment to self-reflection and change, the therapeutic outcomes may be limited, as narcissists often struggle with acknowledging their own vulnerabilities or faults.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health disorder, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions, including narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.