![]() Behind the facade, however, narcissistic individuals often have a fragile self-esteem that is likely to crack under any pressure. Narcissism is commonly associated with selfish, self-centered individuals who project extreme confidence. However, NPD remains a valuable framework for understanding how a party’s narcissism can impact a divorce in broad strokes. How do Strong Narcissistic Traits Impact Divorce and Custody Cases?Īs noted above, it often makes more sense to focus on specific narcissistic traits rather than the blanket NPD label when considering the impact of narcissism on divorce. ![]() In most divorce cases, it is a party’s behavior that drives the process, rather than a formal diagnosis for a personality disorder or colloquial shorthand for selfishness. whether he or she should be labeled a “narcissist” or diagnosed with NPD – and instead focus on the individual’s behaviors, to the extent these behaviors correspond with the nine narcissistic traits identified in DSM-5. With this in mind, the best way to understand narcissism in the divorce process is focus less on an individual’s status – i.e. Psychological tests certainly exist to identify and diagnose NPD, but these can be “gamed” by clever test-takers who are smart enough to identify which questions to avoid providing honest answers for. While the DSM-5 definition for NPD can be a helpful framing tool, the reality is that focusing on a formal diagnosis of NPD can be a distraction in the divorce process. ![]() Showing arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.Often being envious of others or believing that others are envious of them.Lacking empathy (unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others).Being interpersonally exploitative (taking advantage of others to achieve their own ends).A sense of entitlement (unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with their expectations).Believing that they are “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).Preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.Instead of relying on the colloquial definition of narcissism, one can move directly to the formal definition of NPD, by underlining the nine criteria identified for NPD under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), five of which must be present for a formal diagnosis of NPD: The second way to view narcissism in the divorce process falls on the opposite pole. However, one party’s temporary selfishness during a period of intense stress is likely to fall short of a diagnosis for NPD. In the divorce process, where spouses are often looking out for their own interests – at the expense of their soon-to-be former spouse – it can be easy to interpret a litigant’s actions as selfish. The most common way that people understand narcissism in the divorce process is the colloquial that is simply to say, “my husband/wife is a narcissist.” For many of us, referring to another as a “narcissist” is shorthand for describing that person as selfish or self-centered. There are three main ways to think about narcissism in the context of divorce. Defining Narcissism in the Divorce Process ![]() Whether a self-centered divorce litigant could be diagnosed with NPD is often an unknowable question, but in many ways, a formal diagnosis of NPD is less important than recognizing and responding to the narcissistic traits and behaviors engaged in by some spouses during the divorce process. Many of these questions center around narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, deceitfulness, participation in troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others.
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