When Normal People Act Like Narcissists (Narcissistic Pattern)

About this Video

• Video Title: When Normal People Act Like Narcissists (Narcissistic Pattern)
• Channel: Prof. Sam Vaknin
• Speakers: Prof. Sam Vaknin
• Duration: 00:23:07

Introduction

This video differentiates between narcissistic personality disorder, narcissistic style, and a newly introduced concept: the narcissistic pattern. Prof. Vaknin explains that while narcissistic style involves consistent asocial behaviors, and narcissistic personality disorder is a diagnosable mental illness, the narcissistic pattern describes intermittent displays of narcissistic behaviors in otherwise healthy individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): A diagnosable mental illness affecting 1.7% of the population.
• Narcissistic Style: A pattern of asocial or antisocial behaviors without mental health pathology. Consistent and pervasive.
• Narcissistic Pattern: Intermittent or ingrained behaviors typical of NPD but isolated, appearing in otherwise healthy individuals. This is the key focus of the video.
• Examples of Narcissistic Pattern Behaviors: Splitting (dichotomous thinking), aloplastic defenses (blaming others), confabulation (inventing narratives to fill memory gaps), self-enhancement (unrealistic self-aggrandizement), and entitlement (demanding special treatment). The video details how these behaviors can manifest in both NPD and healthy individuals but differ in frequency and intensity.
• Distinguishing Factors: The frequency, intensity, and context of the behavior differentiate the narcissistic pattern from NPD and narcissistic style. In the narcissistic pattern, these behaviors are infrequent, context-dependent, and lack the consistent aggression seen in NPD.