Bleiberg (1994) describes narcissistic personalities as "those which exhibit rigid coping mechanisms which involve a profound sense of self-reliance." True narcissists generally refuse to acknowledge personal failures and project their experiences onto others. They also consistently seek affirmation from others. In spite of their efforts, narcissists are unsuccessful in creating quality relationships because they take so much and give so little. Narcissists manipulate and contrive to elicit desired responses so they can build their grandiose feelings about themselves and their accomplishments. It could be said that narcissists exhibit the most egocentric, selfish personality traits imaginable.
DSM IV (APA, 1994) states nine criteria, of which five or more must be present to properly diagnose a narcissistic personality disorder. The criteria are as follows:.
a. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (exaggerates talents, achievement, and successes, etc).
b. Is preoccupied by fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, love, etc.
c. Believes that he or she is special and unique and can only be associated with those of "high social status" or "lofty institutions".
d. Requires excessive admiration.
e. Has a profound sense of entitlement (unreasonable expectations and ultimate compliance is expected).
f. Is interpersonally exploitive (takes advantage of other to achieve desired ends).
g. Lacks empathy (is unwilling to identify with other's feelings).
h. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him/her.
i. Is generally arrogant and displays haughty behaviors toward others.
As stated before, five or more of these criteria must be present to diagnose NPD (narcissistic personality disorder) but from the true stories I have read, coupled with adequate amounts of general research, it has become obvious to me that most true narcissists display more than five if not all of these criteria.
