Ep 23: The 4 Narcissistic Subtypes You Need to Know

In this episode of the Personality Couch Podcast, we (licensed clinical psychologists Doc Bok and Doc Fish) explore the complex world of narcissism, focusing on its various subtypes. We unpack grandiose narcissism, its characteristics, as well as fun names in history. Our conversation transitions to communal narcissism, highlighting its deceptive nature and how it can manifest in social settings and religious communities. Next, we examine malignant narcissism, the most severe form, characterized by antisocial, paranoid, and sadistic traits. Lastly, we uncover vulnerable narcissism and the tricky, inside-out way they show up in relationships. The episode concludes with a comparative analysis of danger in these narcissistic subtypes, urging listeners and viewers to beware!

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Grandiose Narcissism
• 12:00 Understanding Communal Narcissism
• 22:04 The Complexities of Malignant Narcissism
• 32:18 Exploring Vulnerable Narcissism
• 40:32 Most Dangerous Subtypes Ranked

Additional References

• Akhtar, S. (2009). Comprehensive dictionary of psychoanalysis. Taylor & Francis Group.
• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR (5th edition, text revision.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
• Barry, C. T., Lui, J. H. L., Lee-Rowland, L. M., & Moran, E. V. (2017). Adolescent communal narcissism and peer perceptions. Journal of Personality, 85(6), 782–792. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12287.
• Campbell, W. K., & Foster, C. A. (2002). Narcissism and commitment in romantic relationships: An investment model analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28(4), 484–495. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167202287006
• Drotleff, C. (2020). Patterns of relationship behaviors among narcissists [Research thesis, The Ohio State University.] https://kb.osu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/5e28ff52-d234-4ced-9b4e-03e891bbeda9/content
• Gabbard, G. O. (1989). Two subtypes of narcissistic personality disorder. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 53, 527-532.
• Levy, K. N., Ellison, W. D., & Reynoso, J. S. (2011). A historical review of narcissism and narcissistic personality. In W. K. Campbell & J. D. Miller (Eds.), The handbook of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and treatments (pp. 3–13). John Wiley & Sons.
• Miller, J. D., & Campbell, W. K. (2008). Comparing clinical and social-personality conceptualizations of narcissism. Journal of Personality, 76(3), 449–476. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00492.x
• Ronningstam, E. F. (2005b). Identifying and understanding the narcissistic personality. Oxford University Press.