5 types of narcissism and the characteristics of each

The term “narcissism” is now an everyday part of our vocabulary. It’s often used without context, but its actual definition is much different from what you might hear regularly. 

There are five common types of narcissism. Different types of narcissism, in the general sense and the diagnosable disorder, all share the same basic traits: excessive self-focus, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. These different types exist because many psychiatric professionals felt this broad set of traits wasn’t enough to describe the nuances of the disorder. Others, however, feel those nuances don’t make enough of a difference to be important when it comes to treatment.

Being able to identify the different types of narcissism can help you better understand the disorder. We’ll walk through how to deal with narcissists so you can foster healthier relationships whether with a loved one, colleague, or friend..

5 different types of narcissism

The idea that there are different types of narcissism comes from research into two primary types. Research published on ScienceDirect defines these as grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism. Since then, other researchers have advocated for more subtypes. They believe that narcissistic behavior shows up in more complex ways that can’t be broadly categorized as grandiose or vulnerable narcissism. In response, some have created subtypes that stem from grandiose narcissism for more specificity.

Research published on SpringerLink suggests each of the subtypes, such as communal, malignant, and antagonistic narcissism, stems from grandiose narcissism. One study shows this can be adaptive or maladaptive. Those with adaptive narcissism are authoritative and self-sufficient. Those with maladaptive narcissism exploit those around them, have a sense of entitlement, or can be exhibitionistic. 

In addition, those who are highly maladaptive are also highly neurotic and have actual-ideal discrepancies, depression, anxiety, aggression, impulsive buying, and delinquency, but low empathy and self-esteem. The subtypes below are considered to be maladaptive narcissism.

1. Grandiose or overt narcissism

Additional research published on SpringerLink suggests grandiose narcissism, or overt narcissism, describes someone who exhibits overt expressions of self-importance, shows confidence, and has a need for attention and admiration. People with grandiose narcissism are typically extroverted and assertive and don’t show empathy toward others. They tend to focus on their achievements and expect others to admire them without much concern for others’ feelings.

Someone who frequently interrupts in meetings to talk about their accomplishments could have grandiose narcissism. They may steer the conversation toward themselves, even if the topic is not directly relevant. 

Much like emotional vampires, they don’t leave room for others to contribute. When someone else tries to share their thoughts, they may dismiss them or quickly pivot the conversation back to themselves.

2. Vulnerable or covert narcissism

Vulnerable narcissism, otherwise known as covert narcissism, involves hypersensitivity, insecurity, and a tendency to feel inferior or inadequate. These feelings are often hidden beneath a facade of confidence, which causes those who have it to avoid criticism to protect their fragile self-esteem. 

Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissists share a need for validation. Vulnerable narcissists are more prone to negative emotions, such as shame and anxiety, while grandiose narcissists are more focused on toxic traits, like maintaining their superiority and control over others.

Someone with vulnerable narcissism might be excited to hang out with a friend but start withdrawing as the day goes on. They may offer vague excuses for why they might need to cancel, or if they do show up, seem overly worried about how others perceive them. If someone makes a lighthearted joke at their expense, they might laugh it off but later sulk or avoid social interactions, as if it confirmed their feelings of inadequacy.

3. Communical narcissism

According to research published by APA PsycNet, communal narcissism specifically describes altruistic, morally superior narcissists. They want people to admire them for how kind and generous they think they are. They focus on the good things they believe they do for others, even though their motivations are often self-serving.

Someone who constantly talks about the charity work they do could be a communal narcissist. They may frequently post about their good deeds on social media, not to share their passion, but because they expect praise and admiration. They might even say how much better they are than others who don’t volunteer as much or aren’t as “selfless.” 

4. Malignant narcissism

Research published by Taylor & Francis suggests malignant narcissism is also a form of maladaptive grandiose narcissism. This harmful disorder is often linked to other negative traits like manipulation, lack of empathy, and enjoyment of cruelty.

Someone who seems charming and confident on the surface but whose behavior is unsettling could be a malignant narcissist. They might seem to enjoy making others feel small or be cruel under the guise of “just joking.” They’re quick to anger if they feel disrespected, and their reaction can be aggressive. 

Behind closed doors, they seem paranoid, believing others are out to get them. They may even use aggression to maintain their sense of power and not show concern for those who get hurt in the process.

5. Antagonistic narcissism

According to research published by ScienceDirect, antagonistic narcissism involves high levels of hostility, competitiveness, and a need to undermine others to maintain superiority. It’s worth noting that one model of narcissism considers antagonistic narcissism to have some traits of vulnerable narcissism, too. Someone with antagonistic narcissism might constantly see others as competition or could become aggressive or hostile if they feel their status is threatened. 

In the workplace, someone with antagonistic narcissism could try to undermine other colleagues by gaslighting them. They may spread rumors or criticize others to better their own self-image. They may also assume that people are out to get them. Their actions are driven by a need to feel superior and dominate others rather than collaborate or build positive connections.

If you’re in a relationship with a grandiose narcissist, understanding which type of narcissist they may be could help you handle their behavior with more empathy. It may also help you decide whether the relationship works for you. Recognizing traits like entitlement, manipulation, or a lack of empathy in yourself can also help you find ways to grow beyond these limitations.

Are there really different types of narcissism 

Research published by SpringerLink argues for different types of narcissism based on the claim that the disorder is too complex to categorize under just two umbrellas. Researchers believe having types of narcissism helps them understand the diverse ways narcissism affects interpersonal relationships and social behavior. However, additional SpringerLink research suggests too many subtypes could complicate diagnosis and treatment. Regardless, all narcissists fundamentally struggle with self-esteem, entitlement, and empathy, no matter how those issues are expressed.

Others argue that narcissism is better described with a continuum or spectrum. They believe that all types of narcissism, whether grandiose, vulnerable, or otherwise, change depending on the context. Some of those models include the spectrum model of narcissism, the trifurcated model of narcissism, and the Big Five personality theory.  

Narcissism spectrum model

The narcissism spectrum model published by ResearchGate suggests that narcissism is not just split into grandiose and vulnerable types but rather exists on a continuous scale where these traits can overlap and vary in intensity. 

It maintains that the heart of all types of narcissism is a sense of entitlement and self-importance. People express these traits differently based on their personalities and environments.

Instead of treating these as separate categories, the model sees them as connected. Depending on the situation, a person can shift between bold, grandiose traits and sensitive, vulnerable traits. 

This helps explain why narcissists can sometimes seem confident and dominant and, at other times, insecure and fragile. If narcissism spans from healthy self-esteem to extreme, pathological behaviors, it makes it easier to understand how it develops and changes across environments and social interactions.​

Trifurcated model of narcissism

The trifurcated model of narcissism published by ScienceDirect divides narcissistic traits into three main dimensions: agentic extroversion, antagonism, and narcissistic neuroticism. 

According to this model, vulnerable narcissists have higher neuroticism, whereas grandiose narcissists are higher in extroversion, but both of them have varying levels of agreeableness.

Agentic extroversion is associated with grandiose narcissism. It covers assertiveness, dominance, and a strong desire for attention and admiration. People high in this trait tend to be self-assured, outgoing, and driven by their need for recognition and power.

Antagonism is at the core of both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. It refers to traits like hostility, entitlement, manipulation, and low empathy. Highly antagonistic people often exploit others to achieve their goals.

Lastly, narcissistic neuroticism aligns with vulnerable narcissism and describes traits like hypersensitivity, insecurity, and emotional instability. People high in this trait tend to react defensively and experience intense emotions like anxiety and shame.

The trifurcated model of narcissism is more specific than the spectrum model of narcissism and may explain behaviors that the spectrum model of narcissism might overlook. Outside of these models, the Big Five personality theory seeks to explain personality as a framework. Narcissism is often linked with aspects of that framework.

Big Five personality theory

The Big Five personality theory, also known as the five-factor model (FFM), is a framework for understanding personality in general through five key dimensions:

1. Openness to experience: This refers to creativity, curiosity, and a preference for novelty. People high in openness are imaginative and enjoy exploring new ideas and experiences.​
2. Conscientiousness: This refers to self-discipline, organization, and goal-oriented behaviors. People who score high in conscientiousness are often reliable and focused.​
3. Extroversion: This refers to sociability, assertiveness, and energy. Extroverted individuals thrive in social settings and are often seen as enthusiastic and outgoing.​
4. Agreeableness: This refers to cooperation, compassion, and consideration. Those who have low levels of this trait may have a more competitive or antagonistic nature​.
5. Neuroticism: This refers to emotional instability and a tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, or depression. People with high neuroticism are more sensitive to stress​.

According to research published by SpringerLink, narcissism is often associated with high extroversion and low agreeableness within the Big Five model. Grandiose narcissists typically display high extroversion, while vulnerable narcissists show high neuroticism.

Understanding narcissism vs. narcissistic personality disorder

Research from the Mayo Clinic also suggests it’s possible to have narcissistic traits without having narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). You might have to deal with difficult people who love attention and feel superior but don’t exhibit the dysfunction or rigidity of someone with NPD. 

NPD is a clinical diagnosis that describes people who have pervasive and extreme narcissistic traits that significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function socially, personally, or professionally. While narcissism can exist in varying degrees, NPD represents a more severe and unchanging pattern of behavior that requires clinical attention. 

To help distinguish between the two, you can use the DSM-5 criteria. Five out of nine criteria need to be present to meet the diagnosis of NPD.

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance
2. Has fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. Believes in being “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should be associated with, other special or high-status people
4. Requires excessive admiration
5. Has a sense of entitlement
6. Takes advantage of others to achieve their own ends
7. Is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8. Is envious of others or believes that others are envious of them
9. Is arrogant or has haughty behaviors or attitudes

Get support in your journey with narcissism

All types of narcissism manifest uniquely, from overt displays of confidence and dominance to more covert forms of insecurity and manipulation. Recognizing this spectrum can help you better manage your own behaviors and identify red flags in a relationship so you can set healthy boundaries.

If you’re struggling with your own behavior or someone who you suspect may be a narcissist, seeking support may help you identify effective ways to cope. A BetterUp Coach can help you develop the interpersonal skills you need to navigate challenging dynamics, set boundaries, and foster healthier, more productive relationships.