A persona narcissistic is characterized by the emotional manipulationthe sense of superiority y lack of empathy. But behind, there are behaviors that can trigger and bring to light their vulnerability.
He psychologist United States Mark Traversa graduate of Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder, conducted an analysis for Forbes in which he reveals those secrets that terrify narcissists and reveal their most vulnerable side.
Narcissists are characterized by emotional manipulation, superiority, and lack of empathy. Photo: Shutterstock.
Loss of admiration and absence of attention
The weak point of a person narcissistic It is the constant need for validation. The admiration y attention makes them feel important, while indifference brings out their darkest side. vulnerable.
When a narcissistic He does not receive praise, his structure is fractured and he must face aspects that he tries to avoid.
According to the research «Susceptibility to weak arguments: The interaction between cognitive sophistication and attitudes», published in the scientific journal Memory & Cognitionindividuals with high knowledge accept weak arguments if they coincide with their beliefs.
When a narcissist does not receive praise, he feels vulnerable and it affects his ego. Photo: Freepik.Although this investigation is not based on the narcissiststhe comparison made by psychologist Travers suggests that these profiles take the tendency to the extreme because of the need for approval.
Calm in the face of provocation
Los narcissists They are characterized by the insistent search for emotional reactions. Then, accusations, provocations and insults make them confirm that the other person is under their influence.
According to the analysis of psychologist American, when a narcissistic person receives a calm response, the ability to control they felt over the other and their sense of superiority is reduced.
One of the resources that inevitably reveals the most vulnerable of these people is the so-called «gray stone», a communication strategy that consists of becoming emotionally neutral and uninteresting in interacting with manipulative people or, in this case, narcissists.
Responsibility and genuine love
Emotional intimacy, according to Mark Travers, is an uncomfortable place for narcissists for the vulnerability and reciprocity that is required. By not being able to accept their mistakes and make honest self-criticism, they become an obstacle to their relationships.
Not knowing how to accept one’s own mistakes becomes an obstacle to a narcissist’s relationships. Photo: ShutterstockThe report «Pathological narcissism: An analysis of interpersonal dysfunction in intimate relationships» published in the academic journal Personality and Mental Health and cited by Forbesensures that the narcissistic couples They tend to alternate between idealization and devaluation due to their fear of intimacy.
Blaming others and emotionally withdrawing are some of the behaviors that a person adopts. narcissistic when emotional intimacy challenges your sense of power and control.
Questions and disruptions to your self-image
He psychologist Mark Travers He pointed out that narcissistic people have an idealized image of themselves and they care for it obsessively. They have built it over the years and maintain it with distortions and defensive mechanisms.
Narcissists create an image of themselves that they maintain with distortions. Photo: Shutterstock.So, the slightest question, even a neutral one, feels like a threat to their superiority.
The study «Narcissism and the perception of failure: evidence from error-related negativity and error positivity»published in the academic journal Personality Neuroscience and cited in Forbesidentified hypervigilance towards stimuli that affect the ego in narcissistic people.
