Narcissists typically believe they are better than others due to the psychological defense mechanism known as narcissistic grandiosity. This characteristic is a central aspect of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). There are several reasons why narcissists tend to see themselves as superior:
Fragile self-esteem: Paradoxically, beneath the facade of grandiosity lies a fragile self-esteem. Narcissists have an excessive need for admiration and validation, and they use their self-perceived superiority to protect themselves from feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.
Entitlement: Narcissists have an inflated sense of entitlement, believing that they deserve special treatment, admiration, and attention because they see themselves as exceptional or unique individuals.
Ideal self-image: Narcissists often have an idealized self-image, where they perceive themselves as perfect, powerful, attractive, and deserving of admiration. They are constantly seeking validation to maintain this idealized self-image.
Lack of empathy: Narcissists have difficulty empathizing with others and understanding different perspectives. As a result, they have a limited ability to recognize and appreciate the worth of others, reinforcing their belief in their own superiority.
Need for control: Narcissists may feel a need to control and dominate others to reinforce their sense of power and importance.
Comparing themselves to others: Narcissists tend to engage in social comparison, comparing themselves to others and often seeking to outperform or surpass them to maintain their sense of superiority.
Defensiveness: Any criticism or perceived threat to their self-image is met with defensiveness and denial. Narcissists have a hard time accepting their flaws or mistakes, which reinforces their belief in their supposed perfection.
It's important to note that not everyone with high self-esteem or confidence is a narcissist. Narcissism becomes a problem when it significantly impairs a person's ability to function in relationships and society, causing distress to themselves and others. Dealing with a narcissist can be challenging, as they may have difficulty acknowledging their problematic behavior and may resist seeking help or changing their ways.