In fact, narcissism is a normal part of development

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I had a narcissist in my life once. I truly wanted nothing to do with them. To be honest, I most certainly did not want to be anything like the narcissist.

To avoid becoming anything like the narcissist in my life, I tried to be the opposite of them to an extreme, leaving me feeling like any needs I had was selfish.
This really took a lot from me.
From there, I decided I wanted to learn all that I could about narcissism and our development.
So, we've all heard the term 'narcissist' used to describe someone arrogant, self-centered, and often a little too interested in themselves. It's an easy label to dismiss as unhelpful or even hurtful; however, it turns out that narcissism isn't always destructive!

When we typically think of narcissism, our mind may automatically recognize the negative - narcissists. But the truth is, narcissism isn't only limited to narcissists - it's a trait that is a normal part of our personality.

In fact, all humans have some degree of narcissism.

Narcissism ≠ Narcissist

Many people may display certain narcissistic traits that may not be severe enough to be diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or NPD. In reality, narcissism can range from mild to severe, with the most intense cases classified as NPD.

People with NPD have a highly severe form of narcissism that is considered a psychological condition or disorder. This mental health condition requires diagnosis and treatment from a licensed mental health professional.

People with NPD exhibit grandiosity, entitlement, arrogance, lack of empathy, and a preoccupation with power and success. It's important to understand that narcissistic traits in an individual do not necessarily mean they have NPD.

We All Have Narcissism

Simply possessing narcissistic traits does not necessarily imply that you have NPD or are a narcissist. As humans, we all need an adequate level of narcissism. In fact, healthy narcissism is a term used to refer to necessary self-centered behavior.

It may be a little strange initially to realize that narcissism isn't always a sign of a disorder; it can also be a healthy part of our personalities if kept in balance.

So, while narcissism can be dangerous in its extreme forms, understanding the psychology of narcissism can help us all better understand ourselves (and other people, too!)

Psychology of Narcissism Development

We may not realize that narcissism begins to develop in childhood. In fact, at around age two, children enter a narcissistic development phase as they begin to talk.

This is commonly seen in the "mine" stage. We may hear a child exclaim "Mine!" when they want an object, such as a toy, or refuse to share it with others. This can be an early display of healthy narcissism in all of us.

Narcissism Develops in Childhood

As we grow up and navigate the complexities of life, we often find that narcissism begins to develop along with us.

In fact, mild elements of narcissism are a normal part of being human; they do not necessarily indicate that someone may have narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissism is not inherently a disorder but a trait everyone possesses to some degree.

In other words, it's essential to understand that narcissism is a typical personality trait involving a sense of self-importance.

In fact, children learn to understand that others have their own needs and desires from having their own needs fulfilled.

Development is a complex and nuanced process shaped by many factors, including upbringing, experiences, and interactions. These elements intricately intertwine to shape an individual's growth and progression.

Narcissism can be detrimental

The psychology of narcissism can also be understood as a spectrum where most people fall near the middle of the spectrum of narcissism, with a few at either extreme.

Extreme narcissistic behavior, such as narcissistic personality disorder, can be observed in people who display extreme egocentrism, are grandiose, manipulate others for their gain, lack empathy, and have an inflated sense of superiority.

This behavior can be highly damaging and hurtful to those around them. Recognizing that narcissism is typical human behavior is essential, but excessive narcissism can lead to problems.

Takeaways

Overall, narcissism can be a regular part of growth and development. It's important to remember that narcissism doesn't always equate with being an actual narcissist. It is simply a natural part of the human experience.
Its roots are set in early childhood and can be expressed in various ways as people age.

Suggested Readings

Unmasking Narcissism: The Dirty Truth

What Makes Someone a Narcissist

Self-Esteem and Narcissism are More Different Than You May Think

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As originally posted on That Psych Nerd

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