Verywell / JR Bee
What Is Covert Narcissism?
Covert narcissism is a lesser-known form of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
It is sometimes referred to as quiet narcissism or vulnerable narcissism.
Verywell / JR Bee
NPD is a condition in which someone harbors an inflated sense of self-importance (grandiose self).
However, instead of arrogance and self-importance, covert narcissists are often shy and withdrawn.
They tend to be thin-skinned and hold grudges.
They also may appear to focus attention on others when it’s actually attention they seek for themselves.
Suicidal thoughts may be part of the pattern.
What Is Gaslighting?
Recognizing Covert Narcissist Traits
There isnt a clear-cut test for narcissistic personality disorder.
The remarks included:
Identifying covert narcissism on the basis of similar kinds of statements can be helpful.
The difference between these two types of narcissism is in the expressions of their underlying feelings.
The covert is the introverted closet narcissist or the shy, hypersensitive, and socially isolated narcissist.
It is likely a combination of factors that influence mental health conditions in general.
These include:
Covert narcissist traits may be more common among some personality types.
These are three challenging behaviors.
Needing constant validation to manage self-esteem can be draining on both people in a relationship.
For the person with NPD, recognizing there is a problem in themselves is the first step towards recovering.
An overt narcissist wears their need for admiration, validation, and sense of self-importance on their sleeve.
The expression of these needs and vulnerability in a covert narcissist is more hidden and internal.
If both people want to work on changing, progress is possible.
Consider professional counseling or talking to someone for support.
Scrandis DA.Narcissistic personality disorder: Challenges and therapeutic alliance in primary care.Nurse Pract.
2020 May;45(5):13-15. doi:10.1097/01.NPR.0000653968.96547.e7.
2021 Jul 15;12:676733. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.676733.
Sweet PL.The sociology of gaslighting.Am Sociol Rev.
2020 Feb;216(2):65-66. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2019.125.
Davies S.The subtle signs of covert narcissism.
Shafti S.Malignant narcissism: Concealed side of psychopathy.Biomed J Sci Tech Res.
2023 Mar;30(2):235-249. doi:10.1002/cpp.2796.
National Domestic Violence Hotline.Narcissism and abuse.
Help Guide.Narcissistic personality disorder.
