While they all maintain the core characteristics of narcissism (entitlement, lack of empathy, and a need for control), they’re displayed through different behaviors and vary in degree of severity and danger. Clinical psychologist and Harvard lecturer Craig Malkin, Ph.D., thinks of narcissism as a trait, or pervasive human tendency, which exists on a spectrum. Though the subtypes can’t be clinically diagnosed, psychologist Perpetua Neo, DClinPsy, says mental health clinicians “can generally see patterns.” Below are eight types of narcissism recognized by experts: Many people may have traits of narcissism without meeting the criteria for the disorder. Healthy narcissism is a category of its own and is actually positive. “Each person has a bit of healthy narcissism within them,” cognitive therapist Alyssa Mancao, LCSW, writes at mbg. “A person with healthy narcissism will feel proud of their accomplishments and will want to share those accomplishments with others because it makes them feel good. Healthy narcissism is also the ability to feel a sense of entitlement and knowing that you belong in certain spaces and deserve good things. These feelings, though, are usually in line with reality.” This type of narcissism has been tested and validated through peer-reviewed research1, often in opposition to vulnerable narcissism (also known as covert narcissism). “Grandiose narcissism is when someone’s narcissistic qualities—entitlement, braggadocio, and self-obsession—are openly displayed, often at the expense of others,” Neo says. Grandiose narcissists can be charming but often lack empathy. In conversations, they don’t relate to people, Neo explains, but rather one-up them. This might be because they crave attention, enjoy seeing others hurt and confused, or both. When dealing with a grandiose narcissist, or any type of narcissist for that matter, it’s important to set boundaries. “Know you can be graceful and assertive at the same time,” Neo says. “They will push your boundaries, eroding them so a lower level of treatment becomes the new normal. Be prepared to enforce your boundaries—even better, walk away.” According to Malkin, covert narcissists are often abjectly miserable and believe their suffering is worse than anyone else’s. “Yes, they may have been hurt before,” Neo says, “but it’s not your duty to rescue them or save them. That’s boundaries, too.” “They get pleasure seeing people writhe in pain and discomfort,” licensed psychologist Daniel Fox, Ph.D., says. If you know a malignant narcissist, Neo recommends avoiding them completely and cutting off all ties. Any attempts to outsmart them will be unsuccessful and exhausting, she explains: “They’ve spent their lives perfecting the craft of becoming better narcissists.” Sexual narcissists are often serial cheaters, use sex to manipulate people, and may behave violently during sex. To protect yourself from this type of narcissist, your safest option is to get out of the relationship and seek therapy to help you get through the breakup with a narcissist. Sexual narcissism is part of a three-part narcissism typing system that includes sexual narcissism, somatic narcissism, and cerebral narcissism. None of them are validated by research, but the system has been gaining some popularity as some mental health practitioners use them to further categorize different types of narcissism. Somatic narcissists often obsess over their weight and physical appearance and criticize others based on their appearance. They usually ignore the needs of others and prioritize their own. If you’re dealing with one, Scott-Hudson says, “avoid displaying emotional responses to their behavior because narcissists feed off drama.” Cerebral narcissists believe they’re smarter than others. In an attempt to feed their ego, they will try to make others feel unintelligent. If you’re dealing with a cerebral narcissist, insulate yourself from their words. “You’re never going to win an argument or get to a point where they admit you’re right,” Fox says, “so learn to let it go.” Neo says young people or people who have experienced significant upheaval, like a move or a divorce, are more vulnerable to the spiritual narcissists’ “captivating, dynamic influence.” If someone you know uses their spirituality as a tool to manipulate or belittle you, separate from them. RELATED: How To Spot Narcissistic Abuse: 15 Behaviors & Warning Signs
