2704types of narcissism

[evile]

Dec. 10, 2004

 

 

http://www.psychotherapy.com.au/august00/featart1.html
http://www.n-courage.net/types.htm



The descriptions of various types of Narcissism below are adapted
from an article by Bruce Stevens,
'Narcissism: A Nine Headed Hydra? Exploring Types of Narcissism'
that was presented at the 'A Chorus of Voices Conference' in
Melbourne, Australia in 1999.


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The Craver

The Craver has plenty of love to give but it is always given with
strings attached; i.e. I'll give you 'x' but there is a, usually non-
verbal, message demanding that you give something back in return. As
with all people with Narcissistic Personalities the Craver has a
great fear of abandonment and clings to those (s)he relates with and
his/her needs can never be satisfied.

Special Lover

The Special Lover is a romantic at heart and idealizes his/her
capacity for loving. He/she believes that love can cure all ills. As
with all idealization eventually it breaks down and there is deep
disappointment. The internal world of the Special Lover is
especially vulnerable and sensitive to slights, real or imagined.
There is also a high level of intolerance to imperfections in the
partner.


Martyr

Suffering is glorified by the martyr,
(s)he is a victim and tells the world about it unceasingly. Personal
identity is the pain which is never in the past but always in the
present. These people want care and support and will exploit others
in order to get this. Grandiosity is bound up with this position: no-
one else has ever suffered as I suffer and relationships are formed
with someone else who needs to be needed and is exploited to provide
narcissistic supplies. This is a covert way of controlling other
people.

Fantasy Maker

The Fantasy Maker has retreated into a world of his/her own creation
that has a greater or lesser correlation with the real world. The
internal world of fantasy is a defence against the pain and anguish
of reality and is avoided at all costs because it is cold and harsh.
These people rarely take responsibility for themselves so are unable
to form a therapeutic relationship. Also, they have a very loose
relationship with
the truth distorting it to suit themselves
whenever they are threatened. Lies may be difficult to detect.


Body Shaper

Image, fashion, glamour, youth and beauty characterise the body
shaper and these attributes must be admired. This kind of beauty is
only 'skin deep' and the ageing process is often denied. The internal
world is usually empty and bleak, their relationships are often
shallow, and they can be very demanding of others.

Power Broker

Power is the goal for the Broker... he is in love with it. He
bullies, humiliates and terrorizes his victims and is arrogant, cold
and bureaucratic. He is contemptuous to inferiors and he lives
without considering the consequences of his acts to other people. He
is out to get what he wants when he wants it by any means.


Rager

A barely controlled rage lies below the surface of this Narcissistic
structure and lashes out when the narcissism is dented. Explosive
rage can be irrational and it is often accompanied by violence. This
type can be very controlling and abusive in relationships when (s)he
cannot get his/her own way. It would not be an exaggeration to say
that 'All hell breaks loose' and the word 'tantrum' is appropriate.

Trickster

The Trickster is a charmer and is at ease in a wide range of social
situations. He is smooth, engaging and inviting. He invites people
to trust him but underneath the seemingly innocuous facade is
the 'con-artist' who seeks out those who are naive and trusting and
is ruthless in relationships. He has a malicious intent and a right
of entitlement: the ends justify the means and he is incapable of
remorse.

The Rescuer

This is the virtuous one who takes the 'high moral ground' in
relationships. Their presentation to the world is that of virtuousity
and these people appear to be kind and considerate. They try too hard
in relationships and may be a result of being a parentified child in
a dysfunctional family. He/she finds it easier to give than to
receive.