Passive-aggressive covert narcissism is one of the pathologies that can occur in people with a severe mental health disorder. Often, the treatment that can be carried out is complex due to the difficulty involved in this diagnosis. In this sense, the persistence of behavior, emotions and thoughts that seem ambivalent demonstrate a complexity that is difficult to address. In fact, people who have an interaction with this pathology can be hurt by the confusion caused by this clinical condition. Given this, it is important to keep in mind that the characteristics of this mental health disorder can affect both the person themselves and their environment. In these cases, having specific tools is essential to overcome these links in a more enjoyable way and avoid negative consequences.
In this PsychologyFor article we will explain What is passive-aggressive covert narcissism and how to spot it
What is passive-aggressive covert narcissism?
Passive-aggressive covert narcissism is a mental pathology that is characterized by the presence of feelings of personal greatness and superiority about other people. However, the fundamental aspect that must be taken into account is that These features are hidden For this reason, it is difficult to perceive what a person with this clinical diagnosis is really like.
Another of the peculiarities that this type of narcissism has is the ambivalence between passivity and aggressiveness in dealing with other human beings. In other words, feelings of hostility are expressed indirectly and/or covertly through discreet signals. This represents a difference from classic narcissistic personality disorder, which expresses emotions, thoughts and behaviors without any conditioning.
In the following article you will find more Characteristics of a Covert Narcissist.
How to Spot Passive-Aggressive Covert Narcissism
Below we explain some common traits that can help you detect passive-aggressive covert narcissism:
- Need for permanent validation : People with passive-aggressive covert narcissism require constant approval of their actions. To achieve this, they can resort to specific and subtle tactics in order to obtain the recognition they seek.
- Lack of empathy : These types of personalities can focus fully on their insecurities and discomforts, without having any concern for others. In turn, the lack of empathy can be confused with a sympathetic attitude that emerges from the dialogues that emerge with covert narcissistic people. In other words, they may seem concerned about external factors, but it is a scene that they recreate to obtain something.
- Handling : Covert narcissists try to dominate the situations they go through through different tactics, such as engaging in friendly relations with the people around them and making a favorable profit. Manipulation can be accompanied by comments and words that seem encouraging, but hide deep resentment.
- Lack of involvement : In general terms, these are personalities who do not recognize their mistakes and avoid taking responsibility for their responsibility. One of the most frequent mechanisms they can adopt is to hold other people responsible for some harmful action.
- Personality changes : They may show joy and sympathy for a situation that generates interest, but they can also modify their expressions with each person. Likewise, they can carry out a dominant attitude without the need to impose regulations or restrictions on others.
In this article you will find information about the types of narcissism and characteristics to identify them
How to Act With a Passive-Aggressive Covert Narcissist
Faced with some inconveniences that may arise in connection with this type of clinical condition, it is worth knowing methods to counteract the unfavorable consequences. In the next items, we will develop how to act with a passive-aggressive covert narcissist:
- Don’t give in to the feeling of guilt : Given the behaviors that these people demonstrate, it is common to set limits that provoke a feeling of guilt. This is because the covert narcissist appears understanding and calm to the people around him.
- Appeal to rationality : As a general rule, people who carry these qualities can unleash feelings of anger or displeasure in those who associate with them. However, making decisions based on the emotions that predominate is usually not a good alternative, since the covert narcissist will use strategies to generate a good impression of himself. For this purpose, it is preferable to develop ideas to avoid any manipulative act.
- Set clear and precise limits : The passive-aggressive covert narcissist does not like restrictions, since he must opt ​​for alternatives to get what he wants. In relation to this, establishing concise limits is essential to act in situations of stress and/or tension. Here we explain how to set limits in relationships.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor 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
- Mirza, D. (2018). The Covert Passive-Aggressive Narcissist: Recognizing the Characteristics and Finding Healing After Covert Emotional and Psychological Abuse. Washington DC: Debbie Mirza Coaching.