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The Rise of the Female Covert Narcissist: 6 Ways to Identify Her!
In recent years, a growing body of psychological research has been shedding light on an often overlooked and misunderstood phenomenon — the female covert narcissist.
Though it might be tempting to believe that narcissism, particularly Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), is predominantly a male issue, this is a misconception that needs serious reconsideration.
Contrary to popular belief, the world of narcissism is not exclusive to one gender. However, the presentation of narcissistic traits can diverge significantly between men and women, primarily due to sociocultural norms and expectations. Female narcissists are more likely to present as fragile, their narcissistic behaviours shrouded under layers of perceived vulnerability. This makes them harder to detect and understand, leading to the emergence of the ‘covert’ female narcissist.
Why Are Males More Often Diagnosed as Narcissists?
Prevailing Stereotypes: Narcissism is often misinterpreted as synonymous with self-confidence, ambition, and assertiveness — traits frequently associated with ‘masculinity’ in many societies. Men are socially conditioned to compete, dominate, and strive for personal success, attributes which overlap with narcissistic characteristics. This…