Narcissism and control are linked and can be diagnostic tools for personality disorders. Narcissists may try to control others to enhance their sense of power and entitlement. Narcissism is one of 10 recognized personality disorders, and a grandiose sense of self is a major factor. Narcissists may exhibit controlling behavior in intimate relationships and may seek out people of status who can appreciate their unique abilities. The relationship between narcissism and control may make treating the disorder difficult. Narcissistic personality disorder results from unresolved anger in childhood and may be linked to other mental illnesses.
The connection between narcissism and control is one of the diagnostic tools psychologists use to define personality disorder. People suffering from narcissism may try to control others to enhance their sense of power and entitlement. Narcissism and controlling refers to an image of feeling special and a tendency to devalue others to fuel the narcissist’s sense of self-worth. Controlling others could also stem from a lack of empathy, a trait commonly found in people with characteristics of narcissism.
Narcissism is one of 10 recognized personality disorders, formally identified by psychologists in 1980. They defined nine traits exhibited by narcissists, and certain patients who meet five of these characteristics may be suffering from the personality disorder. A grandiose sense of self unsupported by real accomplishments is generally considered a major factor in identifying narcissism and controlling tendencies. Narcissists typically believe they deserve special recognition for their superior talent or intelligence, giving them the right to exploit, humiliate, and use others.
In intimate relationships, narcissism and controlling might be exhibited in the narcissist’s attempt to determine a partner’s choice of friends or how a loved one dresses. The narcissist may become jealous or possessive and resort to aggressive behavior to exert control. He or she may resent a partner who does not focus constant attention on the narcissist or defer to her wishes.
Narcissists commonly boast about perceived abilities and attempt to explain away any failures. For example, a narcissist who can’t hold down a job might blame coworkers for not recognizing her special talents. A person with the disorder usually envisions power and success, despite an inability to get along with colleagues in the workplace. The narcissist may seek out people of status who can appreciate her unique abilities.
The relationship between narcissism and control may make treating the disorder difficult. The narcissist often believes that a therapist falls short of intelligence or does not recognize their uniqueness. He or she may try to manipulate a therapist to elicit praise and attention. This could inhibit the bond between patient and therapist, which is considered important for the success of the therapy.
Mental health experts generally agree that narcissistic personality disorder results from unresolved anger in childhood. Some experts believe that children who receive mixed messages about aggressive and assertive behavior may become fixated on their sense of self. This ego concern may continue into adulthood, creating an unnatural need for praise and recognition. Some people who exhibit narcissism and controlling tendencies might also show signs of other mental illnesses, including antisocial, borderline, and histrionic personality disorders.
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