Do you know someone who always has to be the center of attention? Someone who is constantly posting selfies and bragging about their accomplishments? If so, then you may be dealing with a case of communal narcissism. This condition is characterized by an excessive need for admiration and attention from others. In this blog post, we will discuss what communal narcissism is, how to spot it, and how to deal with it.
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What Is Communal Narcissism?
Communal narcissism is a form of narcissism that occurs in group settings. It is characterized by an inflated sense of importance and a need for admiration from others. Individuals who display communal narcissism often seek out positions of power and influence within their groups. They may also attempt to control or manipulate group members in order to achieve their own goals.
Communal narcissism is often difficult to spot because it can masquerade as healthy group behavior. For example, a leader who encourages group members to share their ideas and opinions may appear to be democratic and inclusive. However, if this leader is only interested in hearing ideas that support their own point of view, then they may be exhibiting signs of communal narcissism.
Sometimes there is no clear leader in a group, but communal narcissism can still occur. In these cases, the narcissistic individual may try to take on a “parental” role within the group. They may give advice that is not asked for, or they may try to control the behavior of others.
Signs of Communal Narcissism
There are many signs of communal narcissism, but here are some of the most common:
Need of Control
There is a constant control battle going on and those in leadership positions are always needing to be right and in control. They need to have the power and be seen as the authority. This often comes off as bossy or dictatorial. There are also control games that are played in order to keep others off balance.
Also, those who are communal narcissists tend to use guilt as a way to control others. They will make you feel guilty for not being available or for not doing what they want you to do.
Lack of Empathy
Communal narcissists lack empathy and seem unable to understand or share the feelings of others. They may have a general concern for others, but it is usually superficial and not sincere. This can be difficult to see at first because they may fake empathy in order to get what they want from you. But over time, their true colors will start to show. It will become evident that they only care about themselves and their own needs.
Manipulation
Communal narcissists are master manipulators. They will use your own words and feelings against you in order to get what they want. They are also experts at gaslighting, which is a form of manipulation that makes you question your own reality. If you find yourself constantly second-guessing yourself around someone, it may be a sign that you are being manipulated.
Self-Importance
Everything revolves around them and their needs. They believe that they are more important than anyone else and that their needs should always come first. They will often interrupt conversations to make sure that the focus is always on them. And if you try to talk about something that they’re not interested in, they will quickly change the subject back to themselves.
Sense of Entitlement
Communal narcissists feel entitled to special treatment and always expect others to cater to their needs. They believe that they are owed something and that the world owes them. This sense of entitlement often leads to a sense of entitlement. Also, sometimes there may be a sense that they are above the law and that rules don’t apply to them.
Arrogance
Communal narcissists are arrogant and full of themselves. They think they know everything and that they’re always right. They have a superiority complex and will look down on those who don’t meet their standards. Also, they tend to be very critical of others and are quick to find fault.
Constant Need For Validation
Communal narcissists always need to be validated and approved of. They need constant reassurance that they are doing a good job or that they are valuable. This often leads to them being very dependent on others for their own self-worth. Without this validation, they can feel insecure and lost. Sometimes, they may even try to manipulate others into giving them this validation.
Reasons For Communal Narcissism
There are many reasons why people develop communal narcissism. Some of these are:
History of Abuse
People who have been abused, either physically or emotionally, are more likely to develop this disorder. This is because they often feel like they need to control others in order to feel safe. There maybe be a need to feel powerful in order to protect themselves from being hurt again. Abuse also means that these individuals have often not had their own needs met, so they try to get others to meet them.
Poor Self-Esteem
People with low self-esteem are also more likely to develop communal narcissism. This is because they feel like they need to be perfect in order to be accepted by others. They may also feel like they need to control others in order to feel good about themselves. Sometimes there are also feelings of inferiority which can lead to this disorder.
Unmet Needs
Another reason why people develop communal narcissism is that their needs are not being met. This can be due to a number of things, such as not having enough love or attention from others. They may also feel like they are not good enough or that they do not belong. This can often lead to a need for control and power over others.
Genetics
Genetics is another factor that can contribute to the development of communal narcissism. This is because some people are simply born with a predisposition to this disorder. Additionally, if someone has a family member who suffers from this disorder, they are more likely to develop it as well.
Violence
Violence is another big factor in the development of communal narcissism. People who have been through a lot of violence are more likely to develop this disorder. This is because they often feel like they need to control others in order to feel safe. They may also feel like they need to be perfect in order to avoid being hurt again.
Childhood Trauma
Trauma is another big factor in the development of communal narcissism. This is because people who have been through trauma often feel like they need to control others in order to feel safe. They may also feel like they need to be perfect in order to avoid being hurt again.
Abuse
Abuse can be another big factor in the development of communal narcissism. This is because people who have been abused often feel like they need to control others in order to feel safe. They may also feel like they need to be perfect in order to avoid being hurt again.
Impacts of Communal Narcissism on Someone
There are many potential impacts of communal narcissism on an individual. For one, individuals who are raised in a community that excessively values self-righteousness and grandiosity may have difficulty developing a healthy sense of self-esteem. In addition, communal narcissism can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as anxiety and depression.
Some of these impacts are:
Impacts on Relationships
Relationships are one area where communal narcissism can have a significant impact. Individuals who are raised in a community that excessively values self-righteousness and grandiosity may have difficulty developing healthy relationships. In addition, communal narcissism can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as anxiety and depression. Sometimes there may be a lack of trust, because people who are communal narcissists may see others as a threat to their own self-importance.
Impacts on Mental Health
Sometimes there are larger societal impacts of communal narcissism. When a group or community is led by someone with this disorder, it can result in a culture of distrust and paranoia. This can be seen in cults or other groups where there is a charismatic leader who exerts control over the members. The environment created by communal narcissism can be toxic and cause mental health problems for those who are exposed to it.
Impacts on Personality
Sometimes, communal narcissism can have negative impacts on a person’s personality. It can make them seem more self-centered and less interested in the needs of others. Additionally, it can lead to a sense of entitlement and grandiosity, which can be off-putting to others. There are also potential negative consequences for the community as a whole when communal narcissism is present. For example, it can lead to a lack of cooperation and trust and an overall feeling of negativity.
How To Overcome Communal Narcissism?
Overcoming communal narcissism can be difficult, as the traits that make up this personality type can be deeply ingrained. However, there are some things that you can do to work on overcoming your communal narcissism.
Identify Triggers
Triggers are the things that set off your narcissistic behavior. For some people, it may be feeling like they are not being appreciated enough or feeling like they are not in control. Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to work on managing them. Also, there are some helpful books and articles that can be of assistance in this area. There may be some deep-rooted issues that need to be addressed in order to work on overcoming your communal narcissism.
Change Your Thinking
One of the most important things that you can do to overcome your communal narcissism is to change the way that you think about yourself and others. If you are constantly thinking about how others are perceiving you or worrying about what they think of you, this can lead to narcissistic behavior. Instead, try to focus on your own happiness and well-being.
Work On Your Emotional Intelligence
One of the best ways to overcome your communal narcissism is to work on your emotional intelligence. This means learning how to understand and manage your emotions, as well as the emotions of others. There are many books and articles that can help you with this.
Seek Professional Help
Professional help may be necessary if you find that you cannot overcome your communal narcissism on your own. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and there are many professionals who can help you work through your issues. There are many therapies and treatments that can be successful in treating communal narcissism. If you are struggling with this disorder, please seek professional help.
MantraCare is a website that provides mental health resources and information. We also provide crisis counseling services for those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to us. We are here to help.
Helping Someone With Communal Narcissism
There are many ways to help someone with communal narcissism, but it starts with understanding the disorder. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Talk To Them
Talking to them always helps. It allows you to get a sense of how they see the world and how they feel about themselves. This can help you understand their needs better. Also, try to avoid talking about yourself too much. This can be a trigger for their narcissistic behavior.
Set Boundaries
One of the most important things that you can do when helping someone with communal narcissism is to set boundaries. This means setting limits on what you will and will not tolerate from them. It is important to be firm but kind when setting these boundaries.
Encourage Positive Coping Mechanisms
There are many positive coping mechanisms that can help someone with communal narcissism. Some examples include exercise, journaling, and spending time in nature. Encouraging them to find healthy ways to cope with their emotions can be very helpful.
Provide Support
It is important to provide support for someone with communal narcissism. This can be in the form of emotional support, practical support, or both. Be there for them when they need you and offer your help when you can. Also, try to avoid enabling their narcissistic behavior.
If you or someone you know is struggling with communal narcissism, please reach out for help. There are many resources and professionals who can assist you. Remember, you are not alone. MantraCare is here to help. Visit our website or contact us today for more information.
Conclusion
Communal narcissism is a real phenomenon that can have harmful consequences. If you think you may be suffering from it, reach out to a mental health professional for help. In the meantime, remember to take care of yourself and practice self-compassion.
If you suspect someone you know might be a communal narcissist, there are some key behaviors to look out for. There are also some things you can do to protect yourself from their manipulation. You can surely help them if they’re willing to seek professional help.
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