Let's Focus on the Positive (Psychology) and NPD

Welcome back again! Let us now look at Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) from a phenomenological perspective. Positive psychology focuses more on strengths overall life improvements rather than pathology (Owens & Waters, 2020). This has the potential to be helpful for individuals with NPD as it may speak to the need for validation and not shame. Positive psychology hinges on the belief that traits may be functional and possibly beneficial to a certain extent, which can support some behaviors associated with NPD. Individuals with NPD may be perceived as exuding confidence, being self-assured, assertive and having leadership qualities. These are all qualities that may be attempted to be instilled in children during their development, and therefore are viewed as positive (Cervone & Pervin, 2023). Innately, these are not negative traits to possess and in some settings would be beneficial, including preparing a child for school and the workforce. Instead of viewing the traits as disordered, from an alternative framing, the influx of the traits could be potentially viewed as imbalanced. This allows room for correction.

While traits like empathy are not something that can be taught, there is room to build other positive traits like the show of humility, gratitude and the intentional expression of care for others. This seeks to redirect strengths already possessed in a more adaptive and prosocial way, and can be possible. Since positive psychology does not focus on psychopathology, there is not a need to convince anyone that they are inherently flawed but instead a focus on building on the positive qualities that may already be present. This can be accomplished by identifying goals that are not driven by validation seeking and practicing skills that do not already come naturally, such as expressions of gratitude or humility. Pringle et al. (2024) note that individuals with NPD often present themselves in ways that will garner positive perceptions from others, though these impressions tend to deteriorate over time. Recognizing this pattern can enhance buy-in to this approach, as it highlights the gap between early social success based on earlier masking when meeting acquaintances. When considered alongside the benefits of unconditional positive regard which can be beneficial in clinical practice, this strengths-based approach may offer more promise for effectiveness than interventions that focus on pathological deficiencies.

Keep This in Mind: When we shift the focus from what's wrong to what's possible, even the most challenging traits can become the starting point for meaningful growth.

References:

Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2023). Personality: Theory and research (15th ed.). Wiley.

Owens, R. L., & Waters, L. (2020). What does positive psychology tell us about early intervention and prevention with children and adolescents? A review of positive psychological interventions with young people. Journal of Positive Psychology, 588–597. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2020.1789706

Pringle, V., Tissera, H., Elsaadawy, N., Carlson, E., & Human, L. (2024). Do narcissists think they make a better impression than they really do? Re-evaluating enhancement as a dominant feature of narcissism. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 15(8), 968–979. https://doi.org/10.1177/19485506241263636