Shall We Talk A Bit More About Psychological Abuse?

The classic overt narcissist is not dangerous compared to other types!

Photo by Sydney Sims on Unsplash

In a previous article, I introduced the idea there are several types of narcissists: “Many clinical psychologists agree on the number seven. The most dangerous kind is “malignant narcissist”. This one is a predator, very intentional in hunting their victims and causing harm. They feed on people’s suffering. They don’t feel remorse. For all the other six types, they don’t intentionally seek to harm. All that they crave is to nurture their ‘false’ sense of self and don’t care if this means hurting others within the process.”

I have been noticing many people are confused and only familiar with the classic overt and arrogant narcissist. Its origin is rooted in Narcissus, the Greek Mythology persona known for his beauty and self-admiration, which killed him. Hence, I thought of giving a try to explore the different types in more detail.

Narcissists different types

It is important to note all narcissists make use of the same abuse and manipulation techniques, more or less. The difference from one type to another is the explicit or covert/subtle attribute of the tactic. It depends on their level of IQ, as well as the development process of their false self.

Some of the most common techniques are gaslighting, invalidation, projection, mirroring — the ability of copying and then simulating virtues, continuously violating your emotional boundaries because they don’t have any, etc.

Here is a small example to explain the difference between gaslighting and invalidation:

Let’s suppose you are sharing with me (the narcissistic individual) that you are hurt:

• Gaslighting: No, you don’t feel hurt! You don’t even have the right to feel hurt.
• Invalidation: You feel hurt? Once again you feel hurt when I talk about your mother (exasperated facial expression)! I don’t know how to talk to you without you saying you are hurt!

In the latter situation, it’s not about doubting your feelings. Instead, I am criticizing them.