Communal vs Individualistic Narcissism
Typology
Bert Parlee and Keith Thompson:
“Communal narcissism (“communal” indicating that individuals seek validation and admiration through their perceived contributions to social groups or communities, rather than through personal achievements).
To our surprise, and that of the researchers themselves, communal narcissism turns out to be the equal and opposite variant of the self-centered overt type in which individuals boast about being “the best”.
Jochen Gebauer’s 2012 paper in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology introduced the “agency-communion model”, distinguishing agentic narcissists, who boast of their intelligence or achievements, from communal narcissists, who claim to be the most helpful or virtuous. Yet both groups share the same essential needs for affirmation and validation. Ekin Ok’s work enhanced our understanding further. The communal narcissist’s warm glow conceals a sense of entitlement and “special” status. For such individuals, feedback or criticism is commonly experienced as attack. “