The psychologist named the hidden reason for narcissistic behavior

Narcissistic personality disorder is not related to self-confidence, but to deep inner instability and dependence on external recognition. Olga Kushnareva, a family psychologist and psychotherapist, told Izvestia on April 10.

"Narcissistic personality disorder is not about self—confidence, as is often thought, but about deep inner instability, which is masked by a sense of one's own exclusivity," the expert noted.

As the specialist explained, a self-confident person calmly perceives himself and others, does not depend on other people's opinions and is able to withstand criticism. In narcissistic disorder, on the contrary, self-esteem is largely based on external approval. Attention, recognition, and admiration are important to a person, and criticism can cause a painful reaction — aggression, devaluation, or distancing.

According to the expert, the outward show of confidence often hides vulnerability and an inner sense of inadequacy. The formation of such traits is usually associated with the peculiarities of upbringing and emotional experience.

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The specialist identified two main scenarios. In the first case, the child is overly idealized, without giving realistic feedback. In the second case, on the contrary, they devalue and deprive you of a sense of acceptance. In both cases, stable self-esteem is not formed, and in adulthood, a person tends to compensate for this through control, recognition, or a sense of superiority.

The expert emphasized that dealing with narcissistic traits takes time. This type of behavior is formed over the years and is a way of adaptation. Psychotherapy can help build a more stable self-perception, learn to accept criticism and develop empathy, but the key condition remains a person's willingness to change.

"It is important to separate: healthy confidence is about self—reliance and a calm attitude to the world, and narcissism is about dependence on external recognition and difficulties in building close, stable relationships," the psychologist concluded.

Natalia Malakhova, a gestalt psychologist and specialist in dealing with emotional dependence, said on April 9 that the excellent student syndrome in adults is accompanied by anxiety, fear of mistakes and the desire for an ideal result, which can hinder the achievement of goals and reduce the quality of life. According to the psychologist, the manifestations of the excellent student syndrome in adulthood practically do not differ from those of children. A person experiences intense tension, fear of failure, and often finds himself in a state of internal "freezing."

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