#Narcissism

A fresh wave of psychological research is offering valuable insights into why high-profile figures such as former US president Donald Trump—and other leaders with pronounced narcissistic traits—react so defensively, or even aggressively, when confronted with evidence of their own mistakes. Drawing on interviews, recent peer-reviewed studies, and organizational psychology, experts say these reactions are not just personality quirks, but reflect deeper dynamics in workplaces and governments worldwide—raising profound questions about power, accountability, and the future of leadership, including in Thailand’s evolving corporate, political, and academic environments.

A recent study from San Francisco State University provides a significant breakthrough for employers and organizations seeking to identify narcissistic tendencies in job candidates. By carefully crafting and analyzing responses to just three targeted interview questions, the researchers found a remarkably efficient method to spot potentially disruptive personalities—offering Thai employers, educators, and even community leaders a practical new tool for building healthier teams and workplaces (Psychology Today).

This research is especially relevant to Thailand, where the concept of “face” and harmonious group interaction play a central role in organizational culture. Narcissistic grandiosity—characterized by a focus on personal gain, dominance in group settings, and a lack of empathy—threatens not only productivity but also the emotional well-being of colleagues. In a country where community, respect, and consensus are highly valued, early identification of such traits can prevent workplace conflict and staff turnover, which are persistent challenges in both Thai corporate and government offices.

A breakthrough study from San Francisco State University has identified three simple interview questions that could effectively flag narcissistic tendencies in job applicants—a finding with important implications for Thai workplaces concerned about team dynamics and organisational health. The research, published in June 2025 and highlighted by Psychology Today, responds to a growing need for practical screening tools that can efficiently identify problematic personalities before they impact the work environment or company culture (Psychology Today).

A UK-based psychotherapist has captured over 2.7 million viewers on TikTok by distilling the subtle and often confusing signs that may indicate someone in your life is a narcissist—a topic increasingly resonant in an era of social media-fueled misunderstanding about mental health. The therapist, who runs a therapy service and leverages digital platforms for mental health education, lists 10 critical signals that point to narcissism beyond everyday selfishness, sparking both public interest and debate about the actual meaning of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its real-world impact.

A new meta-analysis is challenging popular perceptions about the roots of narcissism, suggesting that early childhood attachments may play a significant role—particularly in the development of vulnerable narcissism. The findings, synthesized from more than 10,000 participants across 33 studies, shed new light on how varying attachment styles developed in childhood correlate with adult narcissistic traits, a topic with deep resonance for families and mental health professionals in Thailand and globally (Firstpost).

Recent scientific research has revealed that individuals with narcissistic personality traits are more susceptible to developing an addiction to social networking sites, highlighting concerns about mental health in the digital age. This study, which synthesises findings from multiple prior investigations, offers important insights for Thai parents, teachers, and mental health professionals as social media use continues to surge across the kingdom.

The rise of social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) has dramatically changed the way people interact, share information, and cultivate their identities. According to recent statistics, Thailand is among the world’s most active countries on social media, with over 52 million users as of 2024, accounting for more than 74% of the population (DataReportal). This trend has facilitated both increased social connectedness and, unfortunately, a growing prevalence of problematic or compulsive usage, sometimes classified as social networking site addiction (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

A simple glance at someone’s phone habits may reveal more about their personality than previously thought. Recent psychological research has spotlighted compulsive social media use as a tell-tale sign of narcissistic tendencies, with experts warning of consequences that extend beyond the screen and into mental health and social wellbeing. The findings, anchored by a new study from the University of Gdańsk and published in the Journal of Research in Personality, provide timely insights—especially for countries like Thailand, where social platforms are woven deeply into daily life (Daily Mail).

A new wave of psychological research highlights a compelling connection between narcissism and social networking site addiction, raising concerns about the impact of personality traits on online behavior. As social media platforms continue to play a central role in daily life, this latest study provides critical insight not only for global users but also for Thai society, where smartphone and internet penetration are among the highest in Southeast Asia.

The significance of this finding lies in its ability to explain why certain individuals develop problematic social media habits more readily than others. According to the research, those who exhibit stronger narcissistic personality characteristics are statistically more vulnerable to becoming reliant on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The study, published in a peer-reviewed academic journal and summarized by PsyPost, builds on previous knowledge that social media can serve as both a stage for self-promotion and a source of constant validation.

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).

A recent research investigation has uncovered that individuals with narcissistic personality traits are significantly more likely to perceive themselves as excluded in social situations and to misread the cues of those around them. These findings, highlighted in a report published by PsyPost, shed new light on the challenges faced by narcissistic individuals in forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships, with meaningful implications for modern Thai society as it navigates increasing social complexity and mental health awareness.

In recent psychological discourse, the term “communal narcissism” has been gaining attention as researchers and mental health experts delve into understanding this intricate personality trait. Unlike the conventional narcissist associated with grandiosity and blatant self-promotion, communal narcissists cloak their self-serving motives behind a facade of altruism and community service. This emerging subtype of narcissism carries significant implications for how individuals engage with societal roles and humanitarian efforts, prompting a re-evaluation of seemingly benevolent behaviors.

In an era where psychological terms often make their way into everyday conversations, the nuances between narcissism and sociopathy remain elusive to many. As explored in a recent Daily Mail article by Monique Rubins, psychologists are shedding light on key differences between these two complex personality disorders, guided by insights from experts like Dr. Ramani Durvasula and publications including Psychology Today and Very Well Mind.

Narcissism and sociopathy are both personality disorders, but as Dr. Ramani explains, they manifest distinctively despite some overlapping traits. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by traits such as low empathy, grandiosity, entitlement, and arrogance. Narcissists often seek admiration and struggle with superficiality, leading to behaviors like manipulation and gaslighting. These individuals can also be dismissive, controlling, and prone to passive-aggressive behaviors.

In a study published recently in the International Journal of Psychophysiology, new insights have emerged into the link between narcissistic traits and physiological responses during conversations. Conducted by Emmi Koskinen and colleagues, the research examines how individuals with pronounced narcissistic traits display heightened physiological arousal, particularly when discussing experiences involving admiration from others. This intriguing discovery not only enriches our understanding of narcissism but also highlights nuances in interpersonal interactions that may resonate with many, including Thai readers familiar with the cultural nuances of social interactions.