LaFern Cusack

Spot A Malignant and Communal Narcissist Pt4

On his Phil in the Blanks podcast, Dr. Phil continues his discussion about malignant narcissism, which combines narcissistic, Machiavellian, and psychopathic traits. Dr. Phi explains that malignant narcissists are dangerous and will use and abuse others for their own gain, and why you should get out of relationships with a malignant narcissist as swiftly and safely as possible.

Also, learn about the communal narcissist, those who seek attention and validation by doing charitable acts or being overly helpful. Learn why it’s important to set boundaries with a communal narcissist and why you need to focus on yourself – not them.

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Learn how to spot a malignant and communal narcissist.

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Spot A Malignant and Communal Narcissist- Overview

Communal Narcissist

Communal narcissists are the ones that will throw a ten thousand dollar gala to raise a hundred dollars. They do this because they want their picture in the paper. They want to talk about all of their "do-gooding". They want to wear that on their sleeve and beat the drum and beat you over the head with it to show how much better they are than you. They want their picture in the paper holding that puppy, at the hospital with the nurses, planting trees in the park. Communal narcissists want to have credit for every charitable thing you can possibly imagine.

Malignant narcissists can be highly manipulative, and they don't care who they hurt as long as they get their own way.

Other signs of malignant narcissism include:

Seeing the world in black-and-white terms, including seeing others as either friend or foe
Seeking to win at all costs and generally leaving a great amount of pain, frustration, and even heartache in their wake
Not caring about the pain they cause others—or may even enjoy it and experience it as empowering
Doing what it takes to prevent themselves from loss, inconvenience, or failing to get what they want in any situation

Does Social Media Contribute To Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Young Adults

Research shows that today’s young adults are more narcissistic than ever before.
More than 10 percent of people in their 20s are believed to suffer from subclinical narcissism, according to Psychology Today.
Social media is contributing to the problem.
A study published in the Journal of Personality found that, between 1982 and 2006, college students’ NPI scores significantly increased by about two narcissistic answers.
“Receiving a “like” on social media produces a physiological high by triggering our reward cycle. This good feeling is due to a dopamine rush in the reward center of the brain.”
A follow-up study “Is “Generation Me” Really More Narcissistic Than Previous Generations?” found further increases in narcissism in young adults through 2008.
Two reasons for this increase:
A greater focus in recent years on building self-esteem in young people;
The internet and social media, which encourage young people to focus obsessively on themselves and their public image.

(Source: Newport Institute)

References

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association. (2013).
Lenzenweger MF, Lane MC, Loranger AW, Kessler RC. 2007. DSM-IV personality disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Biological Psychiatry, 62(6), 553-564. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/personality-disorders/what-are-personality-disorders

Malignant VS Psychopaths

Malignant Narcissist Characteristics

Traits Of A Communal Narcissist

Self-care and coping strategies:

Learn about the condition. Knowledge and understanding can help empower and motivate
Get active
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Get routine medical care
Join a support group
Write in a journal to express your emotions
Try relaxation and stress management techniques
Stay connected with family and friends
Having a family member with a personality disorder can also be distressing and stressful.
Family members may benefit from talking with a mental health provider who can provide help coping with difficulties.