The 5 differences between narcissism and psychopathy

We analyze the differences between these two personality types that tend towards the pathological.

Narcissism and psychopathy are two pathological personality traits that share some characteristics such as selfishness, the tendency to manipulate others or the lack of sensitivity and empathy.

We live and coexist with narcissistic people and with individuals who present evident psychopathic traits, but it is often difficult to recognize which is which based on their behavior. That is why it is important to know how to distinguish them.

In this article we explain what narcissism and psychopathy consist of, and we discuss the main differences between them.and we address the main differences between these two personality tendencies.

Narcissism: definition and characteristics

Narcissism is a personality tendency or behavior pattern characterized by people who believe they are entitled to everything and are very arrogant, egotistical, have an extreme need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissistic people tend to spend a lot of time fantasizing about achieving power and success, and may be obsessed with their appearance.

However, behind this appearance of control is an incredibly fragile ego that is easily wounded by criticism.. The narcissistic person generally cannot handle any form of criticism and tends to belittle others to validate their own superiority.

There are different classifications and types of narcissistic people. Here we will discuss the three main types.

1. Classical Narcissist

Classical narcissists are outspoken about their need for constant attention and always brag about themselves, seek compliments, and believe they are entitled to special treatment.They seek compliments and believe they are entitled to special treatment. They are noticeably bored when the topic of conversation revolves around themselves, and do not like to share the spotlight with others.

However, although they consider themselves superior to most people, they are desperate to feel important and to be admired. They are usually the easiest type of narcissist to deal with, as they tend to have the strongest self-esteem.

Vulnerable narcissist

Vulnerable or fragile narcissists feel that they are superior to most people they meet; however, as introverts, they are more likely to be introverted.However, as introverts, they tend to avoid being the center of attention. They often try to attach themselves to special people rather than seek special treatment themselves.

They may try to pity or manipulate others by being overly generous to gain the admiration and attention they need to appease their deep-seated insecurity. They have extremely fragile egos and are more likely to lash out in passive-aggressive ways if they feel offended or mistreated.

3. Malignant Narcissist

Malignant narcissists are highly manipulative and exploitative.. These people have much less empathy than the other two main types and may also have sociopathic or psychopathic traits. They have a sense of cruelty that sets them apart from the other two types of narcissists.

The main goal of malignant narcissists is to dominate and control, and they use deception and aggression to achieve this, showing a lack of remorse for their actions. In addition, they may be driven by the suffering of others.

Psychopathy: what is it and what are its characteristics?

Psychopathy is an antisocial personality disorder and is usually diagnosed at age 18 or older, although it must be present before age 15 for diagnosis. Psychopaths have an awareness of right and wrong, although it is not particularly strong. They know that committing an illegality such as stealing, for example, is wrong, and they may even feel some guilt or remorse, but that does not stop their behavior.

Traits of psychopathy include: lack of guilt or remorse, narcissism, lack of empathy, superficial charm, dishonesty, tendency to manipulate, recklessness, and lack of attachment and affection. Psychopaths represent approximately 1 percent of the general population and, in several studies, it has been found that about 20 percent of executives in large companies also have psychopathic traits.

Psychopaths are insensitive, but can be charismatic and persuasive.. They manipulate and deceive others using their charisma and intimidation, and can effectively mimic feelings to present themselves as "normal" to society. In addition, the psychopath is organized in his or her criminal thinking and behavior and is able to exert strong emotional and physical control, showing little or no fear, even in threatening situations.

Psychopathy has no understanding of morals; psychopaths can lie, cheat, steal, hurt others, and even kill without feeling any guilt, although they may pretend it bothers them. Psychopaths watch others and try to act as they do to avoid being caught.

For example, watching a violent scene in a movie causes most people to react with an elevated Heart rate, faster breathing, and even anxiety. However, a psychopath's reaction is the opposite and they show no emotional reactivity.

Differences between narcissism and psychopathy

Although narcissistic and psychopathic individuals may share certain personality traits, such as a lack of empathy, an absence of remorse and self-responsibility for their actions, a tendency to manipulate others, or the fact that both conditions are more common in men, there are notable differences between the two.

The following are the most important differences between narcissists and narcissistic behavior. the most important differences between narcissism and psychopathy are as follows.

1. Differences in origin

Narcissism is a personality trait or tendency that is based on the interaction between genetics and environment.. Variables such as parental style of upbringing, overvaluing or undervaluing the child from an early age, are factors that favor the appearance of this trait.

However, it seems that psychopathy is a trait that is carried over from birth.. Research has been able to detect antisocial patterns in infants as young as 5 weeks old. The callousness traits exhibited by 2- and 3-year-olds may serve as a predictive marker for psychopathic traits in adulthood.

In addition, several studies have identified 6- to 13-year-old children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a diagnosis of conduct problems (such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder) who end up exhibiting traits similar to psychopathic adults.

2. Differences in emotionality

Narcissistic persons may be euphoric, anxious, depressed, etc., depending on their environment and their mood.depending on their environment and the stimulation they receive from the outside. However, people suffering from psychopathy show a very attenuated range of emotions, since they do not experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, and their capacity for emotion is practically null.

3. Differences in the tendency to sadism and revenge.

Individuals suffering from narcissism are often sadistic and have a tendency to revenge when they feel offended. Hurting other people can make them feel more powerful and make them perceive that they are in control of the situation.

Psychopaths, on the other hand, tend to be more selective and do not generally exhibit sadistic tendencies.. When someone tries to offend a psychopath, they react with indifference or by walking away from the situation. And if they feel that something is unfair, they may exact revenge, but it will always be controlled and carefully prepared. A psychopath may also torture someone to test their limits, but the goal is not to harm for the sake of harming and its function is more incidental.

4. Differences with respect to fear of rejection and fear of failure

Narcissistic people have a great fear of failure, rejection and not being considered good enough at a task. good enough at a task. However, psychopaths are usually brave and courageous, and do not usually have feelings of fear or anxiety in situations that involve some risk of failure.

5. Other differences

Narcissists have a peculiar characteristic that usually causes displeasure in the people around them, and that is their tendency to dramatize and to communicate their feelings in an exaggerated way. If something has upset or displeased them, they will soon make it public and demand reparations, as they are very comfortable in the role of victim.

Psychopaths, on the other hand, do not like drama very much.They are rather bored by it and have no problem showing their indifference and coldness in such situations, as they do not care what others think of them. However, the ease with which a psychopath manipulates and exploits others using trickery and a false appearance is a problem when it comes to knowing his true intentions.