Narcissists and Aggression: Understanding the Connection

Breaking down narcissism and aggression

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Disclaimer: AI was partially used to help write this story, enjoy!

The narcissist in my life was never overtly aggressive. They didn't always yell or put their hands on me, but they were still aggressive to me in other ways.

Their passive-aggressive behavior, belittling, and gaslighting created a toxic environment, leaving me insecure and doubting myself. Their aggression, although not physical, inflicted invisible scars on my self-esteem.

Walking on eggshells to avoid their wrath drained me mentally, leaving me feeling trapped and helpless.

Now that I am away from this type of person, I know that a lot of their behavior now was aggressive. From there, I wanted to know more about narcissism and aggression.

Now, I'd like to share that all with you!

Narcissism and Aggression

Essentially, the key part of narcissism is entitlement. When a narcissist feels entitled, they will stop at nothing to reclaim what they believe is theirs. Narcissists possessions are an extension of themselves, so they take great pride and protection in keeping their stuff.

"It is a pretty straightforward message: Narcissism is a significant risk factor for aggressive and violent behavior across the board," said Brad Bushman, co-author of the study and professor of communication at The Ohio State University.

Aggressive tendencies can be measured from personality. Someone's personality affects whether they will display aggressive symptoms or not. Through the use of personality measures, researchers can break apart narcissism to understand how it may present in people.

In fact, those who scored high in narcissism are likely to explode with anger, as well as being "cold, deliberate and proactive" in their aggressive tactics. And, research has suggested that those who have higher levels of narcissism, can display more aggression even if they are not at ‘pathological levels’.

High narcissism isn't needed for someone to show aggression, anyone can. But someone who is narcissistic may be more include to use aggressive tactics.

Types of aggression

When we first think about aggression, the idea of physical aggression may pop up. In this case, someone may be trying to intimidate another person. This person can be scary and extremely intense.

While that may be what aggression looks like for some, it isn't the only way aggression can be shown.

Aggression is not simply a set type of behaviors, and it more certainly is not always in your face. There are various forms of aggression, all serving as different purpose for the aggressor to the victim.

According to Mind Diagnostics, there are 4 different types of aggression:

Physical aggression

Someone will show aggressive behavior in a way that aims to cause physical harm to you or others. This can include hitting, slapping, kicking, etc. Physical aggression is characterized as someone causing harm to another person's body.

Mental aggression

Aggression that is targeted at someone’s mental health that would incude, anxiety, stress, and possibly depression.

Emotional aggression

Aggression can be be aimed at someone’s emotions that seeks to tear them down and can lead to someone being unable to express themselves.

Verbal aggression

This type of aggression is looking to verbally berate and breakdown someone in order to lower their confidence in themselves and their ability to speak up.

Suggested Readings

What Makes Someone a Narcissist

Understanding the 3 Signs of a Toxic Narcissist

Keep Your Distance From a Narcissist to Protect Your Peace

The Narcissist in My Life Had a Score to Settle

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