What’s Compensatory Narcissism?

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Compensatory narcissism is a form of mental illness characterized by narcissistic traits, such as contempt for others and an unwarranted feeling of superiority, that mask underlying feelings of inferiority. Narcissists in general tend to view themselves as superior to others and demonstrate contempt for others as they seek to elevate themselves to assert that superiority. “Classic” narcissists may not do this because of an underlying insecurity or feeling of inferiority, but those with compensatory narcissism act as they do to compensate for those feelings. In many cases, despite engaging in behaviors that alienate others, compensatory narcissists desperately seek praise and approval from their peers and can become very angry if they fail to obtain it.

Individuals with compensatory narcissism tend to display many traits beyond feelings of superiority and contempt for other people. In many cases, these people have even a limited capacity for empathy and have little concern or interest in the effects of their actions on other people. Someone suffering from this condition is likely to be very focused on their social standing as well and often responds with unreasonable anger or depression to any criticism or name-calling.

Compensating narcissists often transition from phases of depression or emptiness to high arousal and energy based on the approval of others and other personal factors. This type of narcissist often tries to gain approval from others by exaggerating her own accomplishments, bragging and even lying about her actions and accomplishments, as well as downplaying other people’s accomplishments and worth.

Failure is another common trait of those suffering from this condition. The compensatory narcissist often wants instant gratification and praise and, as a result, is unwilling to invest much time in any given endeavor. As such, he is likely to do generally lackluster work in his career, academic, or other endeavors.

It is important to remember that the underlying cause of the behaviors and traits associated with compensatory narcissism is a feeling of inferiority. Behaviors that appear to emphasize the superiority of the narcissist while demeaning the worth of others are all used artificially to compensate for ingrained insecurities. These insecurities and feelings of inferiority are often rooted in how one was raised as a child. Parents who are abusive or have unrealistic expectations for their children can contribute to the development of compensatory narcissism. In many cases, an individual with this condition is not even fully aware of their underlying inferiority, and the narcissistic behavior serves as a defense mechanism against feeling inferior.

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