Research Project: Key Term
Assignment
Amber Gray
8/13/23
Sheryl Krey
Narcissism is a term used to describe a type of person. The type of
traits that a narcissist would have an obsessive belief that they are superior to
others and more entitled than others. They have a very inflated self-view singing
they're better than others regardless of their actual status. Narcissists also have an
extreme need for attention. “People with this disorder may lack the ability to
understand or care about the feelings of others. But behind this mask of extreme
confidence, they are not sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the
slightest criticism.” [ CITATION May23 \l 1033 ] A narcissist can make someone
else feel worse about themselves even when they don’t deserve it.
The term narcissist comes from the Roman poet Ovid’s Metamorphoses
about a man who rejected Echo. After he rejected Echo, he was punched be the
Gods making him fall in love with his reflection on a pool. “Nevertheless, it was
not until the early 20th century that narcissism emerged as a significant topic
within the field of psychology. Sigmund Freud, the revolutionary pioneer of
psychoanalysis, expanded upon the ancient myth and delved into the concept of
narcissism as a distinct psychological trait.” [ CITATION Som \l 1033 ]
In America there are approximately 1 in 200 diagnosed with the term
narcissist. Between 50 and 75 percent of narcissist are male. With so many people
having this disorder at least everyone has come in contact with a narcissist at some
point. I myself have come in contact with a narcissist. My ex-husband was a
narcissist who beat me because he knew that he was better than me. His way of
showing me that was to beat me and then bring me gifts and apologize.
My ex would often tell me that I would never amount to anything and that I
was nothing and lucky to have him. He separated me from my friends and family,
blamed me for things that I had no control over. He made me believe his words
were true especially when I went to my preacher, and he had told me that even with
all that happening it would be a sin to leave. Dealing with a narcissist can change
how a person believes in themselves and how they feel. For me I was angry, I was
angry at God, my family, my self. Narcissists can manipulate others into believe
the worst about themselves.
Living or being around a narcist can be hard, it can cause you to live on
eggshells because you never know what mood you are going to be walking into
with them. It can be like dealing with M. Hyde and Dr. Jekyll. A narcissist can be
the most loving, attentive, and caring person you will ever meet until they are not.
They can change on a dime, and it can feel like being lost in a dark ally with no
way to see the turns.
We don’t just have to deal with narcissists in everyday life but also in work.
This can cause a lot of problems within a business. When looking for a narcissist at
work you need to be able to look for someone that cannot change, someone that
does not like to be challenged. They will require a lot of praise and atta boys. They
will also not consider other’s opinions and not accept feedback from others.
Narcissist also believe that work is the only important thing even if your file is on
her death bed, they will still think it is more important to be at work.
This can cause a bad working environment; it will cause employees not to
want to work for companies and want to leave. The long-term effects that a
narcissist can have on a company can be extreme. It can take a long time for a
company to recover from this kind of damage. The damage can collapse a
company if they do not correct this type of behavior.
The bible talks about narcissist and how they are. “Let no man say when he
is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither
tempteth he any man: 14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his
own lust, and enticed.” [ CITATION Kin5 \l 1033 ] To me this means that for
anyone who is tempted by his own lust or greed is evil. For narcissists there
tempted by their own lust for self-importance.
We have to remember when dealing with narcissists you have to remember
that they react to your emotions. Keeping them out of the conversation will allow
you to keep the conversation on the issue at hand. The second thing you have to
remember is not to directly confront them. Direct confrontation can be a trigger for
their anger. Also need to make sure that you maintain boundaries. You have to
make sure that you outline what will and will not be acceptable in your
relationship. Make sure they understand what behavior will be accepted in what
won't be accepted.
Another thing that you have to remember is that it's not your fault.
Narcissists can turn everything on you and make you feel like it's your fault. Do
not accept blame for something you don't have control over or something that is
not your fault. The next thing you need to know about dealing with narcissists is
when you need help. “Narcissistic abuse may not be overt; therefore, it can be
difficult to know whether or not you are a victim.” [ CITATION Vic23 \l 1033 ] A
narcissist likes to control everything when you know its time to get out you get out
of the relationship.
Dealing with a narcissist whether it is in a relationship or everyday life
should not ever make you doubt your self-worth. You should be able to be strong
and happy knowing your worth. You should never let someone else tell you that
you are nothing and make you feel little. If you are dealing with a narcissist and
being hurt, reach out for help.
Bibliography
Dutt, S. (n.d.). History of Narcissism. Retrieved from Medium :
https://medium.com/psychology-simplified/history-of-narcissism-
10264a64aa9e
James, K. (n.d.). . Retrieved from King james bible : King james
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/James-1-14/
Scala, V. (2023). People who do not have Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but
have narcissistic characteristics might:. Retrieved from Anchor Therapy:
https://www.anchortherapy.org/blog/8-tips-for-dealing-with-a-narcissist-nj-
nyc
Staff, M. C. (2023, April 6). . Retrieved from Mayo Clinic : Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-
disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
