A groundbreaking new study has revealed that not all narcissists are cut from the same cloth. Instead, there are four distinct personality subtypes linked to narcissistic traits, with experts cautioning that some individuals may project confidence while grappling with hidden insecurities beneath the surface. The findings, recently published in the Journal of Research in Personality, are shaking up the conventional scholarly understanding of narcissism and could have wide-reaching implications for clinical psychology and everyday relationships alike (psypost.org).
Why does this matter for Thai readers? In a culture where outward composure and social harmony are highly valued, understanding the nuanced layers of narcissism is crucial for both mental health practitioners and the wider community. Narcissism has often been reduced in the popular imagination to mere arrogance or self-obsession, but the latest research underscores that its manifestations are far more intricate and can have serious impacts on both individual well-being and social dynamics.
The research team, led by a psychology professor from the University of North Texas and supported by a doctoral intern at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, moved beyond traditional “variable-centered” studies, which examine narcissistic traits in isolation. Instead, they incorporated a “person-centered” approach to uncover how these features combine in real individuals. Their methodology involved analyzing responses from more than 50,000 participants across three large general-population samples using the Narcissism Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire (NARQ), a tool that breaks down narcissism into two main dimensions: admiration and rivalry.
Narcissistic admiration is linked to assertive self-enhancement, social charisma, and self-confidence—traits typically associated with grandiose narcissism. Individuals high in admiration often seek recognition and exude charm, which can translate into higher self-esteem and social success. In contrast, narcissistic rivalry reflects a defensive, antagonistic posture aimed at protecting a fragile self-image. Those scoring high in rivalry tend to be hypersensitive to criticism, respond with hostility to perceived threats, and display greater emotional volatility—all hallmarks of what psychologists call vulnerable narcissism.
Through sophisticated statistical methods, including latent profile analysis, the researchers confirmed that admiration and rivalry are not merely personality variables but can cluster together within individuals in unique patterns. This led to the identification of four clear narcissistic personality profiles:
Non-narcissistic: Exhibiting low levels in both admiration and rivalry, these individuals neither seek excessive validation nor display defensive hostility.
Subclinical vulnerable narcissists: Characterised by moderate rivalry but low admiration, they often feel insecure and reactive but lack the extroverted assurance of other subtypes.
Grandiose narcissists: Scoring high in admiration and low in rivalry, these individuals are socially dominant, self-confident, and generally well-adjusted, without the underlying fragility seen in other forms.
Grandiose-vulnerable narcissists: Displaying high scores in both admiration and rivalry, this newly illuminated group may appear charming and bold, yet are exceptionally sensitive and prone to aggressive outbursts when their self-image feels threatened.
“We conducted person-centered analyses via latent profile analysis to determine if there were subgroups (or subtypes) of individuals with relatively unique profiles of narcissistic features,” explained the university professor leading the study, in remarks to PsyPost. “More specifically, we were on the hunt for a subtype that displayed elevated levels of both grandiose and vulnerable features.”
The grandiose-vulnerable group stood out as particularly significant, featuring the highest combination of narcissistic traits, both positive and negative self-esteem, and pronounced aggression—a pattern that aligns with the so-called “mask model” of narcissism, where outward confidence serves to hide inner turmoil. Notably, this group was more likely to be younger and male, mirroring prior findings in international narcissism research.
Crucially, the so-called grandiose subtype—often the stereotype of the bold, attention-seeking narcissist—was not linked to aggression or emotional instability. In fact, many in this group reported high self-esteem and lower negative affect, suggesting that some levels of grandiosity, in the absence of vulnerability, may even be adaptive, helping people achieve goals without causing harm.
“Some people have a grandiose sense of entitlement without scoring high in vulnerability and low self-esteem,” noted a psychology professor at Columbia University, who co-authored the study. “However, some people score high in both a grandiose sense of entitlement and also a defensive fragile ego which seems to have the biggest implications for aggression and low well-being. I think our findings also challenge the notion that grandiose narcissism is necessarily a bad thing or a negative trait.”
For the subclinical vulnerable group, life can be particularly challenging. These individuals display high neuroticism, low self-esteem, and heightened defensiveness, yet lack the outward charm and social confidence to compensate—making them more vulnerable within both personal and professional relationships.
Another insight from the study is the apparent consistency of these subtypes across diverse national, ethnic, and racial contexts, suggesting the underlying psychological mechanisms of narcissism are likely universal, though the proportion of each type might differ by culture. Importantly for the Thai context, where indirect communication and avoidance of open conflict are valued, expressions of rivalry or hidden vulnerability may be more challenging to detect—as well as more painful for the individual to confront.
Mental health professionals in Thailand may find the study’s recommendations on assessing narcissistic profiles especially helpful, as it encourages practitioners to look beyond superficial behaviors and consider the dual reality many narcissists inhabit—a confident exterior masking a more fragile core. “There are unique profiles with respect to narcissism traits, some of which reflect a healthier self-image versus pathological grandiose narcissism,” the lead psychologist noted, adding that those with both grandiose and vulnerable features are prone to more interpersonal problems and aggression.
The practical implications for Thai society are significant. In education, understanding these nuanced subtypes can inform better school counselling practices, helping teachers recognize when a student’s bravado conceals genuine distress. For human resource managers and community leaders, factoring in these patterns might improve conflict resolution by distinguishing between healthy self-confidence and destructive rivalry or hostility. Parents may also be better equipped to encourage healthy self-esteem in their children—seeking to nurture admiration without tipping into rivalry or dependence on external validation.
Historically, the concept of “face” in Thai society—the desire to protect one’s public image—echoes the findings of the grandiose-vulnerable type. This personality pattern, marked by charm on the outside but fragility within, parallels the tension many Thais feel in balancing social harmony with personal ambition. Understanding these dynamics can illuminate the silent struggles behind common workplace or family conflicts and help de-stigmatize help-seeking for mental health issues.
Looking ahead, the research calls for long-term studies tracking how narcissistic traits shift over time or in response to life events such as career setbacks or relationship breakdowns. This could be especially pertinent for a rapidly changing Thailand, where social media and consumer culture are fostering new modes of self-presentation and self-comparison.
For now, the authors caution that all data were self-reported and cross-sectional, with social desirability and online sampling possibly affecting results. Yet the sheer scale and consistency of the findings build a powerful case for rethinking how both professionals and the public understand narcissism.
Thai readers may wish to self-reflect: Do any of these subtypes sound familiar—either within oneself or in people close to you? Recognising the diverse faces of narcissism can foster greater empathy and healthier boundaries. For those experiencing distress caused by their own or others’ narcissistic traits, mental health support from qualified psychologists or counsellors—available at many Thai universities and hospitals—may be helpful.
In practical terms, the research suggests we move beyond simplistic judgments and instead seek to understand the deeper motives and vulnerabilities in ourselves and others. Parents and teachers can support the development of healthy self-esteem in young people, employers can create supportive work environments that value both achievement and emotional well-being, and everyone can benefit from open, stigma-free conversations about mental health in Thai society.
For further reading, see the original study summary at PsyPost and the underlying research in the Journal of Research in Personality.