Beast Games and Narcissism
Over the summer I was a participant of the trials in The Beast Games. The games were brutal, and there was talk among contestants that the games were unfairly rigged towards fit young men. Women were shocked on the side at how pushy the men were, and how happy they were to get their spot, but with $5 million on the line, who could blame them?
It got me wondering, were the men narcissistic for fighting?
Or were the women narcissistic for believing they deserved something they didn’t earn?
But what exactly is narcissism?
In psychology, it refers to a personality trait characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Although we all possess narcissistic traits to varying degrees, at its extreme, narcissism can manifest as a personality disorder, known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). NPD is a diagnosable mental disorder, while the term "narcissism" is a trait that ranges in degree from person to person.
Psychologists have identified multiple types of narcissism. Grandiose narcissism is characterized by extroversion, self-confidence, attention-seeking, and aggression. Vulnerable narcissism, on the other hand, is characterized by introversion, high sensitivity, negative emotions, and a need for constant recognition and reassurance. Both types involve a belief in one's superiority. Additionally, there are subtypes such as communal narcissism, where individuals perceive themselves as generous but act selfishly, and antagonistic narcissism, marked by intense competitiveness and distrust.
Gender differences
Now, let's delve into the realm of gender differences. In psychology, gender differences refer to any variations between males and females in behavior, cognition, emotion, or other psychological traits attributed to gender. These differences can be rooted in biological, social, and cultural factors. Historically, research on gender differences has been filled with bias, often portraying women as inferior. However, contemporary research aims for greater objectivity and scientific rigor.
When examining narcissism through the lens of gender, research suggests that men, on average, tend to exhibit higher levels of narcissism than women, particularly in the areas of agentic* and antagonistic** narcissism. These findings are reflected across multiple studies and large datasets. However, it's crucial to emphasize that these differences are statistically small, meaning that age and gender are only modestly correlated with narcissism. Women are more likely to exhibit communal narcissism and vulnerable narcissism. Other factors, such as personality, upbringing, and cultural influences, likely play a more significant role in shaping narcissistic traits.
Agentic narcissism refers to a form of narcissism where individuals have an inflated sense of their own success, power, and intelligence
Antagonistic narcissism is defined by a sense of competitiveness, arrogance, and rivalry.
Diagnosing someone
It is important to remember that not everyone who displays narcissistic traits has a personality disorder. It’s healthy for people to have a small dose of narcissism. It’s important to avoid labeling someone in your life as a narcissist, as we all exhibit narcissistic tendencies at times. However, it is wise to be aware of the potential harm that a narcissistic individual can inflict. A narcissistic individual can be manipulative, demanding, and lacking in empathy.
In a narcissistic relationship?
If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who consistently exhibits narcissistic behaviors, it's essential to protect your well-being. Setting firm boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking support from trusted friends or professionals are crucial steps in safeguarding yourself from narcissistic manipulation and abuse. Grey rocking can be one of the most effective techniques for protecting against narcissistic behavior if you’re concerned about your well-being.
Grey rocking is a technique for interacting with manipulative and abusive people, such as those with narcissistic or antisocial personality disorder, as well as toxic people without a mental health diagnosis. Manipulative people thrive on conflict, thrill, and chaos. The goal of grey rocking is to become so uninteresting that the manipulative person loses interest and stops trying to control you. If they ask questions you can’t avoid answering, keep your face blank and your response vague replying with “mm-hmm” or “uh-huh” instead of “no” and “yes.”
We are bound to be narcissistic
Some of the men and women in The Beast Games were acting wild or annoying, showing unchecked narcissism can lead to isolation and self-destruction. However, by understanding the different facets of narcissism, recognizing gender differences in its expression, and prioritizing self-protection, we can navigate the complexities of this personality trait and foster healthier relationships with ourselves and others. Narcissism is a part of human nature, but our knowledge of narcissism isn’t a prophecy- it’s a reminder to cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and genuine connection in our lives.
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