A large-scale study challenges the idea that narcissists are a single type. Researchers identify four distinct narcissistic profiles, showing that confidence can mask insecurities. Published in the Journal of Research in Personality, the work aims to deepen clinical understanding and improve everyday interactions. Data were collected from more than 50,000 adults across three general-population samples using the Narcissism Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire (NARQ), which separates narcissism into admiration (self-enhancement) and rivalry (defensive aggression).
In Thai culture, where harmony and indirect communication are valued, understanding these nuanced patterns matters for mental health professionals and communities alike. Narcissism is often reduced to arrogance, but researchers emphasize its complexity and its potential effects on well-being and social dynamics.
Leading this effort was a psychology professor from a major U.S. university, with support from a doctoral intern at a federal prison system. Rather than focusing on isolated traits, the team used a person-centered approach to see how these features cluster inside real people. They found four clear profiles:
- Non-narcissistic: Low levels of both admiration and rivalry. These individuals neither chase validation nor react defensively.
- Subclinical vulnerable narcissists: Moderate rivalry with low admiration. They feel insecure and reactive but lack extroverted assurance.
- Grandiose narcissists: High admiration and low rivalry. They are socially confident and self-assured, often functioning well without visible fragility.
- Grandiose-vulnerable narcissists: High in both admiration and rivalry. They appear charming and bold, yet are highly sensitive and prone to aggressive outbursts when self-image is threatened.
The study’s surprising insight is the grandiose-vulnerable group, which shows a mix of positive and negative self-views and heightened aggression. This pattern aligns with the “mask model” of narcissism, where outward confidence conceals inner turmoil. Younger men were more likely to fit this profile, echoing international findings.
Importantly, the traditional stereotype of the grandiose narcissist was not consistently linked to aggression or emotional instability. In fact, many grandiose individuals reported high self-esteem and lower negative affect, suggesting that some level of grandiosity can be adaptive when vulnerability is low.
“The research demonstrates there are distinct profiles of narcissism, some of which may reflect healthier self-esteem,” a co-author from a renowned university noted. “However, the combination of grandiose and vulnerable features—especially when paired with defensiveness—has meaningful implications for aggression and well-being.”
For the subclinical vulnerable group, the study highlights greater interpersonal challenges. High neuroticism and low self-esteem, coupled with defensiveness, can complicate personal and professional relationships.
Cross-cultural analysis suggests these subtypes persist across different national and ethnic groups, though the prevalence of each profile may vary by culture. In Thailand, for example, indirect communication and a preference for social harmony might make rivalry and hidden vulnerability less evident—and potentially more painful for individuals who suppress these traits.
Thai mental health professionals can apply these findings to improve assessment and care. Recognizing that some individuals present confidence while hiding distress can guide more nuanced therapy and counseling. One study author cautioned that grandiose aspects can be healthier when vulnerability is low, while the combination of grandiose and defensive fragility carries higher risk for conflict and reduced well-being.
Practical implications extend to education, workplaces, and families. Educators can look beyond surface bravado to identify students who may be masking distress. Employers and community leaders can foster environments that value genuine self-esteem without encouraging harmful rivalry. Parents can nurture healthy self-worth in children, promoting admiration over dependence on external validation.
The research also resonates with Thai concepts around “face” and public image, illustrating how outward charm can coexist with inner fragility. Understanding these dynamics may help reduce stigma around mental health and encourage timely help-seeking.
Looking ahead, researchers call for longitudinal studies to track how narcissistic traits evolve with careers, relationships, or life events. This is especially relevant in Thailand’s fast-changing landscape, where social media and consumer culture shape self-presentation.
While self-reported and cross-sectional data carry limitations, the study’s scale and consistency offer a compelling invitation to rethink narcissism. The authors emphasize the value of looking at underlying motives and vulnerabilities rather than quick judgments.
If the themes feel familiar, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own patterns or those of people they know. For anyone experiencing distress related to narcissistic traits, seeking support from qualified psychologists or counsellors—available at many Thai universities and hospitals—can be a constructive step.
For a deeper dive, the study’s summary is available through PsyPost, and the underlying research is published in the Journal of Research in Personality.