Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Research Paper Example

? Narcissistic Personality Disorder and how it affects Relationships Narcissism is a health problem that affects the way they think and act. At some point, narcissistic people are self centered and will want everything that benefits their inner self. Though researchers state that every person is narcissistic in nature, the degree of narcissism varies. Some people are deeply affected with the disorder and it is explicitly seen by the other people that surround them. As a matter of fact, narcissism is an unhealthy aspect that should be corrected in the people that are highly affected. In many instances, narcissistic people often tend to savor self-gratifying activities. This is what initially causes uproar in the people that are related to the people with this disorder. This has ruined many relationships, while some people find it hard to get over the experience while involved with the narcissistic personalities. Focusing on this aspect will give a better view of all the possible atrocities that relationships face. Narcissistic Personality Disorder and how it affects Relationships First of all, narcissism is a construction of false self. In this aspect, a person tends to acquire a different personality, either physically or emotionally. This is a personality that is deemed to advantage the person alone. Other people are not engaged in this kind of behavior and therefore, they have little to gain. In this aspect, it is clearly seen that the person is self centered and does not care about what others think. For instance, when in a relationship, a person decides to develop a different personality. This personality is quite different from the personality that is understood. As such, the person ends up behaving oddly (Fjelstad, 2013). Close relatives and friends are often disgusted with this behavior, which ruins their trust and togetherness. Apparently, such individuals exhibit a behavior that is termed pathological. This kind of behavior is not real in nature. This shows a person that is not comfortable in their own skin, and would rather opt for another personality. This leads to extreme end, where a person is at the helm of developing narcissistic behaviors. Narcissistic personality is a self centered way of expression, where other people do not matter. With such kind of mindset, narcissistic personalities do not care about what other people feel. A concrete example is when narcissistic personalities are competing with other people. In such a competition, narcissistic people only care and mind about their win (Campbell & Miller, 2011). They will do anything to make sure they are winning, and will not show any appreciation to the other competitors. They have little in mind to consider other competitors. Researchers state that narcissism is a disorder that is heightened by destructive behavior. This is an epidemic that is widespread in the world, and has caused havoc in relationships and families. People with narcissistic disorder do not show empathy to the people that are around them. This is an issue that is inclined to humanity. As a matter of fact, all humans show humanity by empathizing with other people at the time of tragedy. When a person is in a problem and is deeply affected, other people tend to offer comfort and any other help that is needed. This helps other people to cope with the situation and move on. However, some people with narcissistic disorder do not feel for others when they are in such situations (Aumann, 2007). Apparently, it has been discovered that there are some people with narcissistic disorder that show epicracacy. When some people are in disaster, some people find this an opportunity to celebrate for the misfortunes of others. When in a relationship, this is a gross mistake. For instance, when a person who is closely related either by blood or mutual agreement gets into a problem, the partner or relative should offer help and any other assistance deemed important. However, with narcissistic personality, this is almost impossible. In fact, to some people with narcissistic disorder, this is the time to celebrate. This adversely affects relationship as they are bound to break. According to recent research, it is declared that men are likely to have narcissistic disorder as compared to women. Though some people say that is a feminist view of the disorder, the statistics show that there are many women who are affected after indulgence with men diagnosed with narcissistic disorder. Men are likely to be tenderly jealousy and insecure, which increases the chances of developing narcissist personality. Men tend to be over protective when they are in a relationship (Hall, 2011). This will go along way in ensuring their partners are safe and secure. However, they go out of line during the protection by depicting narcissistic behavior. On the other hand, women tend act co-dependently. In such a situation, women tend to hang onto the relationship while persevering with the narcissistic behavior. In such a case, women are often on the receiving end since they are the people that try to fix all the problems in the relationship. As such, many women are hurt when they are in relationships with narcissistic personalities. Narcissistic personalities are fond of attracting compliments and attracting attention from other people. As such they go to greater lengths in ensuring they are noticed at all times. This is at times disgusting especially when their relationship partners are present (Fjelstad, 2013). In many instances, the narcissistic people do not receive positive attention, especially when the audience is aware of their behavior. As such, they will go to greater lengths to insist on the attention seeking approach. In such instances, they often get negative attention due to their behavior. This could ruin a relationship since it degrades personal virtues and values (Aumann, 2007). For instance, when they are in relationship with people that do not like attention, this is probably going to ruin the entire relationship. However, controlling such behaviors will be a way forward to strengthen the relationship. Narcissistic people are at times temperamental. This is mostly seen in situations where their personality is affected. For instance, when their personal belonging is damaged, they will feel angry and do not consider talks with the culprits. They then project their anger to the closest person, irrespective of the circumstances. In such instances, the people that are close to the person feel humiliated and could take stern measures (Hall, 2011). For instance, when they are in relationship, this is a humiliating experience that is not easily forgotten. As such, the relationship could be in shambles after such an incident. When in a relationship, all parties wish to have mutual understanding, where all partners have to consider and understand the feelings of the other person. However, when one person is considered the overall decision maker, the relationship is not healthy. Similarly, getting overly angry is humiliating in a relationship. This will affect the other person as they feel neglected, useless and their decisions do not make sense. People with narcissistic personality are extremely cunning and manipulative. Apparently, narcissistic personalities hide their inner emotions and look for better ways of appealing to other people. Since their real emotions are not explicitly exposed, unsuspecting people rarely consider this. Narcissistic people will then highlight their needs and how they want them to be accomplished. They will approach their partners in relationships for some help (Fjelstad, 2013). In their approach, they are convincing enough and state that it is an activity that will offer mutual benefits. Since the partners are trustworthy, they offer their help in such situations. Long after it is accomplished, the partners decipher that they had been tricked into offering help for nothing in return. It is only after such instances that narcissistic personalities tend to show their inner emotions (Campbell & Miller, 2011). This leaves other people in relationships ashamed of what they did. They often feel used and misused for people who do not care at all. After such situations, relationships do not last due to lack of trust. Conclusion Narcissistic personalities in relations are openly seen in fancy clothes, flashy cars and other accessories. On the other hand, their relationship partners are often referred to as ordinary people. As a matter of fact, narcissistic personalities view themselves as superior beings. As such, they will not likely treat the other partners equally. This leaves many people hurt as this kind of behavior is unacceptable. To make matters worse, narcissistic personalities do not feel ashamed. Therefore, they are not remorseful of their wrong doings. This only hurts other people more as they struggle to deal with maltreatment and neglect in relationship. In summing up, narcissism is a disorder that adversely affects relationships. Many cases have been recorded where victims are traumatized after such incidences. Other conditions are extreme where people are depressed and stressed. In other bizarre incidences, people die after experience with narcissistic behaviors. References Aumann, N. M. (2007). DBT for Narcissistic personality disorder. Chicago, IL: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Campbell, W. K., & Miller J. D. (2011). The handbook of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and treatments. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons. Fjelstad, M. (2013). Stop caretaking the borderline or narcissist: How to end the drama and get on with life. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Hall, R. (2011). Narcissistic behavior in the postmodern era: The study of neuropsychology. New York, NY: Xlibris Corporation. Read More