Exploring the Complexity of Self-Absorbed Women's Behavior
The increase in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) among women is a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. While the exact prevalence of NPD in women is not well-defined in the current evidence, several factors contribute to the rise of narcissistic traits in women.
Sociocultural shifts such as changing gender roles, increased social media influence promoting self-promotion and external validation, and cultural emphasis on individualism may contribute to the emergence of narcissistic traits in women. Psychological factors like trauma, childhood neglect or overvaluation, and environmental influences can also play important roles. Diagnostic challenges and biases could affect apparent prevalence differences between genders.
NPD is characterized by grandiosity, a need for admiration, lack of empathy, and manipulative, controlling behaviors. In relationships, narcissists employ various strategies to attract a partner while retaining control, such as flattery and flirtation.
Gender differences in narcissism are also worth noting. Female narcissists may display narcissism with a style often described as more covert or vulnerable compared to men, who often display more overt, grandiose narcissism. Women might use social manipulation and emotional control more subtly, while men might exhibit more dominance and overt entitlement.
One notable difference is that female narcissists may complain like martyred victims, saying things like "It's always my fault," or "I can't do anything right." In contrast, male narcissists tend to rely more on psychological abuse. Female narcissists may also focus more on their appearance, often dressing provocatively and having exaggerated confidence in their looks or talents.
The book "Dating, Loving, and Leaving a Narcissist: Essential Tools for Improving or Leaving Narcissistic and Abusive Relationships" provides valuable guidance on avoiding dating a narcissist and changing power dynamics in abusive relationships. The book empowers individuals to evaluate and improve their relationships or leave if necessary, providing steps and scripts to restore autonomy and raise self-esteem.
It is essential to remember that an abuser or controller will not change until the individual takes action, and the relationship will not improve until the individual gets stronger. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and gender differences of NPD is the first step towards recognising and addressing this issue.
References:
[1] Lancer, D. (2024). Dating, Loving, and Leaving a Narcissist. New Harbinger Publications.
[2] Kernberg, O. F. (2007). Borderline Conditions and Pathological Narcissism. Jason Aronson.
[3] Wink, P. (2012). Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Diagnostic and Clinical Issues. Routledge.
[4] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Therapists and health-and-wellness professionals ought to consider the influence of sociocultural factors, science, and psychological factors when addressing the rise of Narcissistic Personnality Disorder (NPD) in women.
- Books like "Dating, Loving, and Leaving a Narcissist" offer valuable insights into mental-health issues like NPD, providing guidance on dealing with NPD in love-and-dating scenarios and relationships.
- Understanding the gender differences in narcissism is crucial to recognize and address the issue effectively, as female narcissists may display covert or vulnerable narcissism compared to men, who may exhibit more overt, grandiose narcissism.
- It is essential to comprehend the symptoms and causes of NPD in women's-health context, as well as to challenge societal norms that may contribute to its prevalence, such as individualism and increased social media influence promoting self-promotion and external validation.
