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Antagonistic Narcissism: Traits, Tendencies, & Treatments

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Written By: Alex Bachert, MPH

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Clinically Reviewed By: Clary Figueroa

January 6, 2025

4 min.

Antagonistic narcissism includes personality traits like hostility, competitiveness, and manipulative behaviors.

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Narcissism refers to a collection of personality traits, including a desire for admiration, a heightened sense of self-importance, and a lack of empathy. Some experts believe that narcissism exists on a spectrum, with five possible types of narcissism. These include overt narcissism (or grandiose narcissism), covert narcissism, communal narcissism, malignant narcissism, and antagonistic narcissism.

Below, we review some common signs of antagonistic narcissism, how to deal with people who display this personality trait, and treatment options to help manage symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). 

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What are common signs of antagonistic narcissism?

Antagonistic narcissists may exhibit some of the core narcissistic traits, such as entitlement, inflated self-importance, and a strong desire for power, success, or beauty. However, there are also some traits that are unique to antagonistic narcissism. 

Antagonistic narcissism is a “subtype of narcissism that has certain characteristics or key features,” explains Sarah Lyter, LCPC, MA, a Clinical Supervisor with Charlie Health. “Antagonistic narcissists tend to view relationships as adversarial and have a high emphasis on manipulation, which brings a lot of interpersonal conflict.” According to Lyter, other key features of antagonistic narcissism include:

  • A sense of entitlement
  • Manipulative behaviors
  • Lack of empathy
  • Hostility towards others
  • Conflict orientation (being prone to conflict/being competitive vs collaborative)
  • Defensiveness

5 tips for dealing with an antagonistic narcissist

Dealing with an antagonistic narcissist can present some unique interpersonal challenges. Research suggests that people with antagonistic narcissism may be less likely to forgive other people. They may also have lower levels of trust, which can affect their ability to cooperate and commit to others. Here are five tips for navigating a relationship with someone with a narcissistic tendency.

1. Learn about narcissism 

If someone in your life has a narcissistic personality trait, consider learning more about narcissism. Recognizing the mental health condition’s signs and symptoms, such as defensiveness and aggressive behaviors, may help you better prepare for interactions with this person. It may also offer additional insight regarding the root cause of their actions and behaviors. 

2. Set boundaries

People with antagonistic narcissism can be hostile, aggressive, and quick to exploit others to get ahead. In short, they’re not known for respecting other people’s boundaries. That said, learning how to advocate for your needs can help you prioritize your own well-being while reducing their ability to cause emotional harm. When setting boundaries with a narcissist, it’s best to be direct, assertive, and consistent.

3. Don’t engage in a power struggle

According to Lyter, it’s common for antagonistic narcissists to experience interpersonal problems. Narcissistic individuals are prone to conflict, which can include insults, manipulation, and other types of hostile behavior. While it may be tempting to engage, choosing to walk away or respond with indifference can reduce the chances of narcissistic abuse.

4. Make time for self-care

Narcissists tend to make everything about them. If this sounds familiar, make some time for regular self-care. This can involve meditating, practicing positive self-talk, and taking care of your body with healthy food and regular exercise. It’s also important to surround yourself with trusted friends and family who help you feel good about yourself. 

5. Know when to seek professional help 

If your relationship with a narcissist is starting to impact your mental health, consider meeting with a therapist. Individual talk therapy can help you develop coping strategies for managing your own mental health and well-being while learning how to move forward with the relationship. Your therapist might even suggest family therapy to help you effectively communicate your feelings and boundaries in a safe and supportive setting.

How to treat narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)

Not everyone who has narcissistic tendencies has NPD. For example, maybe you get a little too competitive during gym class, or you feel entitled to special treatment at work. Although these are narcissistic traits, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have NPD. 

In order to be diagnosed with NPD, a person must exhibit five or more of the following symptoms starting in early adulthood.

  • Grandiose sense of self-importance
  • Sense of entitlement
  • Fixation on fantasies of power, beauty, and success
  • Lack of empathy
  • Belief that they’re “special” and can only be understood by others who are special 
  • Demanding excessive admiration
  • Exploitation behaviors
  • Arrogance
  • Jealous of others or believing that others are jealous of them 

Whether you’re exhibiting several narcissistic traits or you meet the criteria for NPD, know that support is available. Talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can help people with antagonistic narcissism better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Group therapy is another effective option for people who are willing to learn new behavioral strategies to manage narcissistic tendencies in a group setting. 

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How Charlie Health can help

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition like narcissistic personality disorder, Charlie Health can help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for people dealing with serious mental health conditions, such as personality disorders. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions so that you can learn how to improve your relationship with yourself and others. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.

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