Grandiosity refers to an unrealistic sense of superiority—a sustained view of oneself as better than others that causes the narcissist to view others with disdain or as inferior—as well as to a sense of uniqueness: the belief that few others have anything in common with oneself and that one can only be understood by a few or very special people. It also occurs in reactive attachment disorder.
In narcissism
Pathological grandiosity has been associated with one of the two subtypes of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. (Gabbard, 1989) Characteristics of the narcissist-grandiose subtype (as opposed to the narcissist-vulnerable subtype) include:
• Being labeled the “oblivious narcissists”
• Observed lack of insight into the impact they have on others
• More likely to regulate self-esteem through overt self-enhancement
• Denial of weaknesses
• Intimidating demands of entitlement
• Consistent anger in unmet expectations
• Devaluation of people that threaten self-esteem
• Diminished awareness of the dissonance between their expectations and reality, along with the impact this has on relationships
• Overt presentation of grandiose fantasies
• Conflict within the environment is generally experienced as external to these individuals and not a measure of their own unrealistic expectations
The differences between grandiose and vulnerable narcissist subtypes have been studied (Dickinson & Pincus, 2003)[5]
This overall finding confirms past theory and research that suggests that these [grandiose subtype] individuals lack knowledge of the impact they have upon others, and thus, have an unrealistic view of themselves in relation to others (Gabbard, 1989, 1998; Kernberg, 1975; Kohut, 1971, 1977). Indeed, this very lack of insight into their impact upon others is what incited Gabbard (1989) to enlist the label “oblivious narcissists” to describe their social presentation and distinguish them from their vulnerable counterparts. Grandiose narcissistic individuals expect another’s immediate and undivided attention, and are oblivious to the effect their direct demands of entitlement have on others. And, by virtue of their ability to maintain the grandiose self through self-enhancement, grandiose narcissistic individuals are less susceptible than their vulnerable peers to the chronic emotional consequences of threats to entitled expectations (e.g., distress, lowered self-esteem, interpersonal fearfulness).
The grandiosity section of the Diagnostic Interview for Narcissism (DIN) (Second edition) is as follows:[6]
1. The person exaggerates talents, capacity and achievements in an unrealistic way.
2. The person believes in his/her invulnerability or does not recognize his/her limitations.
3. The person has grandiose fantasies.
4. The person believes that he/she does not need other people.
5. The person overexamines and downgrades other people, projects, statements, or dreams in an unrealistic manner.
6. The person regards himself/herself as unique or special when compared to other people.
7. The person regards himself/herself as generally superior to other people.
8. The person behaves self-centeredly and/or self-referentially.
9. The person behaves in a boastful or pretentious way.
Signs and symptoms
People with narcissistic personality disorder are characterized by their persistent grandiosity, excessive need for admiration, and a disdain and lack of empathy for others. These individuals often display arrogance, a sense of superiority, and power-seeking behaviors.[10] Narcissistic personality disorder is different from having a strong sense of self-confidence. This is because people with NPD typically value themselves over others to the extent that they disregard the feelings and wishes of others and expect to be treated as superior regardless of their actual status or achievements. In addition, people with NPD may exhibit fragile egos, an inability to tolerate criticism, and a tendency to belittle others in an attempt to validate their own superiority.[11]
According to the DSM-5, individuals with NPD have most or all of the following symptoms, typically without commensurate qualities or accomplishments:
1. Grandiosity with expectations of superior treatment from others
2. Fixated on fantasies of power, success, intelligence, attractiveness, etc.
3. Self-perception of being unique, superior and associated with high-status people and institutions
4. Needing constant admiration from others
5. Sense of entitlement to special treatment and to obedience from others
6. Exploitative of others to achieve personal gain
7. Unwilling to empathize with others’ feelings, wishes, or needs
8. Intensely envious of others and the belief that others are equally envious of them
9. Pompous and arrogant demeanor
This is why we must choose carefully this election!!!
