"...Narcissism refers to a normal personality trait that differs between people rather than the personality disorder as identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV – R (DSM-IV-R). Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by arrogance, grandiosity, and self-importance; a preoccupation with fantasies of success and power; a conviction that one is special or unique; a desire to receive the admiration of others; a sense of entitlement; interpersonally exploitive behavior; an inability to empathize with the needs and feelings of other people; and envy (McCullough, Emmons, Kilpatrick, & Mooney, p. 885). We all encounter people in our everyday existences that exhibit at least some of these behaviors. Thus, the difference between normal narcissism and NPD is largely one of degree (Twenge & Campbell, 2003).
"...Although NPD is more commonly viewed as a destructive mental disorder, narcissistic traits can produce some behaviors that can positively affect one’s life. Sedikdes and colleagues (2004) found that (a) narcissism was associated with low levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness and with high levels of well-being and (b) these relations between narcissism and psychological health were completely mediated by trait self-esteem (Sedikides, Rudich, Gregg, Kumashiro, & Rusbult, 2004, p.403). According to the NPI self-sufficiency and authority subtests, positive behaviors of narcissism are generally correlated with positive psychological and social attributes such as assertiveness, independence, and self confidence, as well as a healthier self esteem (Barry, 2003). These attributes can take an individual a long way in a society that demands assertiveness and self esteem to be successful..."
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