“Narcissism” is often used as a pejorative term these days. But some levels may actually be normal and healthy, according to some experts.
Healthy narcissism seems like a bit of a misnomer.
After all, can there actually be a healthy amount of some of the more challenging traits of narcissism, such as exploitation, entitlement, or lack of empathy? Not real.
But narcissism, at its core, is about how you see yourself in relation to others. It is possible to have a positive self-concept and a healthy amount of self-interest without going too far.
Some experts may argue that if these personality traits are expressed in a healthy way, they do not fall into the category of narcissism at all, and that the term “narcissism” is overstated.
However, other mental health professionals still use the term “healthy narcissism” as a way to refer to necessary selfish, selfish behavior. Although a more accurate term might be “healthy self-absorption,” healthy narcissism is the more commonly used term.
What is healthy narcissism?
Narcissism is a popular buzzword that’s often associated with something bad, but that may not paint a complete picture, says Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, a licensed psychologist and media consultant for the Hope Foundation for Depression Research.
Alternatively, a person who acts in self-interest may not be a narcissist at all. This behavior is usually associated with narcissism. Therefore, when selfish behavior is done in a thoughtful and harmless way, we may consider it “healthy narcissism.”
Positive traits of “healthy narcissism” may include:
- Positive self-image
- High self-esteem
- Great self-confidence
- An acceptable level of self-importance
Signs of healthy narcissism
“Healthy narcissism” is not a clinical term found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
“When people talk about healthy narcissism, they are probably talking about the positive traits and aspects of narcissism,” Lira de la Rosa explains.
Although this may not be an accurate depiction of narcissism since any narcissist’s perception of healthy personality traits is, by definition, unhealthy, here’s what people mean when they think of healthy narcissism:
- The ability to set healthy boundaries
- Assertive communication
- Drawing on your positive qualities to build relationships
- Positive feelings about yourself
- Pride in your abilities and achievements
What is the line between healthy and unhealthy narcissism?
While narcissism is a common term that gets thrown around a lot, only a licensed mental health professional can make a proper diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) by looking for nine formal symptoms. Some may have a few narcissistic traits, which places narcissism on a broad spectrum.
Although any healthy expression of symptoms associated with narcissism does not technically fall within the narcissism spectrum, many refer to these symptoms as “healthy narcissism.” Here’s how to spot the difference between narcissism and “healthy” narcissism.
What causes healthy narcissism?
Your personality style and level of narcissism can come from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, says Lira de la Rosa.
In fact, it’s common for young children to go through a developmental process where they are only concerned with having their own needs met by a caregiver, he explains. Young children may only be able to see things from their own point of view some of the time, and this is completely normal and expected.
As children get older, this stage tends to turn into more give-and-take in relationships.
“It can become more balanced as [younger children] develop into other developmental stages and begin to develop a better sense of themselves and their relationships with others. This process can vary from person to person, with genetics and environment also playing crucial roles.”
In some cases, genetics and environment can prevent a child from growing beyond this developmental stage. They may end up carrying some maladaptive coping strategies into childhood and adulthood.
Some research suggests that specific parenting styles are associated with narcissistic traits, such as in homes where caregivers are more lenient toward their children, although more studies are needed to understand this association.
