The Psychology Behind Narcissists: Why They Elevate Themselves by Putting Others Down

Narcissists often portray themselves as supreme beings, ruling over others and dictating their lives. This behavior stems from deep psychological roots, which we will explore in this article. By understanding these reasons, you can better navigate and cope with interactions with narcissists in your personal and professional life.

Narcissists Overlooking Others to Feel Superior

Narcissists frequently belittle others to bolster their own sense of self-worth. They inherently view themselves as being of higher value, purpose, and importance. In essence, they believe they are above everyone else, deserving of all resources, including your time, energy, and attention. When they feel depleted or realize they have nothing further to offer, they simply move on to the next source of resources that presents a greater abundance of self.

The Role of Family Influence in Narcissistic Behavior

Many narcissists can trace their behavior back to their lineage. Most have a long list of parents, grandparents, and other relatives who displayed narcissistic or cluster B traits. This generational cycle leads to a pattern where children learn to cope by projecting the narcissistic traits onto the next generation. Specifically, a narcissistic parent might see their child as a potential savior, offering the unconditional love that they themselves never received.

Psychological Development and Emotional Manipulation

Let's dive deeper into the psychological development of a narcissist. A young child's need for love and affection is often unmet by their parents, leading to deep-seated trauma and emotional neglect. The child's basic needs for love, compassion, safety, and warmth are not met, causing them to rely on unconditional love from themselves. However, when the child's needs are consistently ignored or abused, their undeveloped brain reacts in a binary manner.

"The child can either still love her mother or hate her, nothing in-between."

Their brain is not equipped to handle complex and opposing emotions simultaneously. Due to this, the child either continues to love the parent or develops a wall to protect themselves from emotional pain and further neglect. As a result, they become emotionally numb or detached, filling the void with pride or other superficial achievements.

Self-Enforcing Patterns and Emotional Dependencies

Children often are used by their mothers to gain validation and attention from the community. This can create a self-fulfilling cycle where the child is constantly reminded of their perfection and the mother's love. Over time, the child becomes accustomed to this validation, reinforcing the behavior. However, this cycle can also lead to dependency, causing the child to fear abandonment and the loss of a source of love.

"So until the kindergarten time most of the behavior patterns and thinking patterns of that child have evolved but because of his hiding behind a wall for protection and little contact to other children he cannot compare his behavior to other children's behaviors and make comparisons."

This dependency and isolation can lead to a lack of emotional development, leaving the child feeling empty and needing external validation. The absence of a healthy emotional connection can drive them to seek validation through power, wealth, or other superficial means.

Understanding and Coping with Narcissists

Understanding the root causes of a narcissist's behavior can help you recognize their tactics and cope with them more effectively. By maintaining clear boundaries and focusing on your own emotional wellness, you can navigate interactions with narcissists more successfully. Remember, you do not have to accept the manipulation; setting clear and firm boundaries is crucial.

Additionally, educating yourself about emotional intelligence can help you better navigate these dynamics. Developing a strong sense of self and understanding your own emotions can empower you to respond constructively to manipulative behaviors.

In conclusion, narcissists elevate themselves by putting others down due to deep-seated psychological issues, often traced back to neglect or abuse in their early lives. By recognizing and understanding these patterns, you can better navigate and cope with interactions with narcissists, ensuring your emotional and psychological well-being.