Throughout our lives we come across hundreds or thousands of people with whom we establish a more or less lasting relationship, whether friendship, work or just cordial. However, these relationships are based on the intentions that both individuals have.
There are many people who try to create a relationship with other individuals seeking their own benefit with which to cover their needs. They have in their minds the belief that they are superior to the rest and, therefore, they are worthy of greater attention.
In this Psychology-Online article we are going to describe these people and how, depending on whether it is a disorder or, on the contrary, just a pattern of behavior, we must classify them as egocentric or narcissistic.
What is egocentrism and what is narcissism
As we find in the Larousse psychology dictionary, the term egocentrism is the inclination to refer all reality to oneself with contempt for the interests of others. The behaviors of egocentric people are usually rejected by societyso it is not at all strange to see how people with this personality have to change relationships a large number of times as a result of their way of being.
He narcissism is defined as the devotion to one’s own image. This is a personality disorder in itself, not a trait as such, and is characterized by selfishness, where people have in mind that everything is allowed to them. People with this disorder require a high degree of attention and admiration for themselves from the rest of the individuals around them. They lack empathy since They don’t care at all about the needs of others. However, like the egocentric, they have a fragile self-esteem.
5 Differences between egocentrism and narcissism
The main differences between egocentrism and narcissism are the following:
1. Disorder vs. feature
Both concepts refer to personality. However, while narcissism is considered a disorder, specifically a disorder, egocentrism is just a personality trait. Therefore, narcissism would be a psychopathological entity, a type of dysfunctional personality, while egocentrism are certain behaviors and attitudes that may lead to certain consequences, but do not constitute a psychological disorder.
2. The narcissist is self-centered, but not the other way around
Narcissism is made up of a pattern of egocentric behavior, but the person must meet other criteria which will allow it to be diagnosed as a disorder. However, egocentric behavior can be developed by any person, who does not have a disorder, as part of their personality.
3. The narcissist needs the attention of others
A clear difference between both types of behavior is found in their interpersonal relationships. While a egocentric (as in the case of a hypochondriac person) can reach isolate yourself from societyavoiding any type of contact, with the sole purpose of protecting himself and his health, the person narcissistic You cannot separate yourself from them, on the contrary, It’s going to ask for a lot more attention. helping himself with his “illness”.
4. The narcissist uses others
While egocentric people focus on themselves, but do not have to use others, narcissists do focus on others. They are interested in taking advantage of them, so there is usually manipulation and use on their part.
5. Egocentrism is normal in childhood
Egocentrism as a trait, that is, as a way of thinking and behaving, is normal in boys and girls during a stage of their development. This phase of egocentrism usually occurs between 2 and 3 years of age, when boys and girls have not yet developed empathic thinking. At this stage, tantrums are very common. Later, infants, through language, learn to understand the point of view of others, to put themselves in their place and take them into account.
Characteristics and examples of an egocentric person
He egocentrism This is a characteristic of those people with narcissistic, paranoid and antisocial personalities, since they develop aggressive behaviors, pride and distrust. At the same time, it is also found in hypochondriac people, who abandon all interpersonal relationships focusing on their own hypothetical problems. There are a series of traits and behavioral patterns that define an egocentric:
- Distorted self-image. A self-centered person is often associated with someone who has great self-confidence, however, the reality is just the opposite. An egocentric is usually quite insecure, but they act by projecting a high level of confidence towards themselves in a way that persuades others to think that they do have it. As a result, they try to compensate for this lack by seeking respect and admiration from others. More ideas of greatness are created in her mind, making her think that she has great talents and that therefore she can only relate to people with high talent as well.
- Distortion of reality. He only accepts that reality which fits and is consistent with his thoughts and perceptions, rejecting any other reality option that may be harmful to his image.
- Little empathy. Egocentric people are not very sensitive to what happens to others. He is not able to express feelings and affective gestures towards those around him. However, this clashes with the need for attention from the other requesters.
- Hypersensitive to opinions. As a result again of their low self-esteem, those egocentric people tend to feel very offended by any type of criticism and, they begin to consider the person who has done it as someone with such a low level that they only do it out of envy. However, this is related to their continuous concern about feeling valued since they are not able to accept the success of others motivated by the envy they feel towards others.
- Difficulties in interpersonal relationships. They use different techniques manipulation and control in order to obtain the admiration they desire. They are always waiting to be flattered for their actions and, in addition, they expect to be given preferential treatment over other individuals. But, despite all this, egocentric people are characterized by feel empty and alone since, little by little, they are rejected by the rest of society.
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Characteristics and examples of a narcissistic person
To be diagnosed as a narcissistic person, one must meet a series of criteria which we can find in the DSM-V:
- Has feelings of greatness and arrogance (for example, exaggerates his achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without corresponding successes)
- This absorbed in fantasies of successpower, brilliance, beauty or unlimited ideal love.
- He thinks he is “special” and unique, and that they can only understand you or can only relate to other special or high-status people (or institutions).
- Has a excessive need for admiration.
- Shows a feeling of entitlement (i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic fulfillment of your expectations).
- Exploit interpersonal relationships (i.e. takes advantage of others for his own purposes).
- Lacks empathy: not willing to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
- He often envies others or believes that they are envious of him.
- They show arrogant, superior behavior or attitudes. In the following article you will find.
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This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION (APA). (2002). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. Barcelona: Masson.
- Kohut, H. (1969). Forms and transformations of narcissism. Journal of Psychoanalysis, 26(2), 371-401.
- Larrouse Dictionary, 2003. Sant Salvador. SPES Editorial SL. Barcelona.
- Pozueco, JM, & Moreno, JM (2013). Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychological abuse. Psychology Bulletin, 107, 91-111.
- Villegas, M., & Mallor, P. (2012). Narcissism and its modalities. Journal of Psychotherapy, 23(89), 60.