If you're hoping that the narcissist in your life will undergo significant behavioral changes as they age, you might be disappointed.
A narcissist is someone who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and is highly self-centered. Narcissists often believe they are unique and special, constantly seek attention, and may lack empathy or concern for the feelings of others.
The review, which analyzed 51 studies involving over 37,000 participants, aimed to understand how narcissistic traits change throughout life. The findings revealed that narcissism tends to decline gradually as people age, meaning individuals generally become more generous, empathetic, and agreeable over time. However, the changes from adolescence to adulthood were modest, and those who exhibited higher levels of narcissism in their youth often retained those traits into adulthood.
In essence, the authors concluded that narcissism is more of a personality trait than a behavior that undergoes significant change over time.
It’s important to note that most people display narcissistic behaviors occasionally, such as bragging or seeking attention. This is different from Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which involves persistent and extreme self-centered behaviors.
Types of Narcissism
The review identifies three distinct types of narcissism:
1. Agentic Narcissism: This is the most commonly recognized form of narcissism. Individuals with this type are focused on power and status, crave admiration, and have an inflated sense of self-importance.
2. Vulnerable Narcissism: This type involves individuals who require constant validation and praise but are highly sensitive to criticism. They often experience feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-doubt.
3. Antagonistic Narcissism: People with this type are overly competitive, hostile toward others, and lack empathy. They frequently view others as adversaries.
Coping With Narcissistic Individuals
Since narcissism is unlikely to change significantly over a lifetime, research into effective strategies for managing relationships with narcissistic individuals may be more beneficial than expecting them to change. Although large-scale studies on this topic are lacking, psychologists have developed some helpful approaches.
One approach, known as 'gray rocking', involves minimizing engagement with aggressive or toxic behaviors. This may include providing short, direct responses, hiding your emotional reactions, or completely disengaging from the situation. The goal is to avoid reinforcing narcissistic behavior by refusing to provide attention or validation.
Therapists also recommend setting clear boundaries about how you expect to be treated and acknowledging or rewarding moments when a narcissistic individual demonstrates empathy or care.
Conclusion
A growing body of research suggests that narcissism is a personality trait that remains relatively stable throughout life. This information is especially useful for those who interact with or live alongside narcissistic individuals, as it highlights the importance of focusing on effective coping strategies rather than expecting significant change.