Can Someone Become a Narcissist Later in Life?

Can someone develop narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) later in life, or is it set from the start? This question makes us rethink the idea that narcissism is always there from the beginning. Recent studies show us that it’s not as simple as we thought.

Psychology professor Robert B. Millman talks about “Acquired Situational Narcissism” (ASN) in his work. This is a type of NPD that can start in late teens or adulthood, unlike the usual NPD that starts earlier. Millman says that people who chase wealth and status can turn into full narcissists once they get what they want¹. Let’s find can someone become a narcissist later in life?

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Key Takeaways

• Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is usually found in early adulthood, but some might get it later, called Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN).
• ASN can start in late teens or adulthood, in people who have reached their goals of wealth and status.
• Things like how parents raised them, their genes, and early personality can make someone more likely to be narcissistic¹.
• Being ignored or spoiled by parents, or having narcissistic parents, can also lead to becoming narcissistic later¹.
• It’s key to set boundaries and get help if you’re dealing with someone who has NPD or narcissistic traits².

What is Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN)?

Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN) was named by Robert B. Millman, a late psychology professor, in his work with famous clients³. Unlike traditional Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), ASN starts in late teens or adulthood³. People with ASN are very narcissistic and aim for wealth and status³.

The Construct of Acquired Situational Narcissism

Highly narcissistic people might turn into full-blown NPD when they get famous and powerful³. But ASN is different because it involves real power, not just dreams of it³. ASN can come from getting support from others and society³.

Characteristics of ASN Distinguishing it from NPD

The DSM-V doesn’t list ASN as a condition under NPD³. People with ASN might make bad choices, have unstable relationships, and act out in ways that hurt others³. To stop ASN, it’s important to build strong character, have a good support group, and think wisely about power³.

“An individual who is accepted into an elite school or organization may exhibit situational narcissism and become arrogant and entitled.”⁴

People with situational narcissism might feel better than others and show off their success⁴. They often want special treatment in all areas of life⁴.

• Someone who gets rich might look down on those with less money and be mean to them⁴.
• Top athletes might act like they’re better than their teammates⁴.
• Those who date or marry someone famous might seem superior to others⁴.

Situational narcissists might also act superior to others to keep up their image⁴.

Risks of Acquired Situational Narcissism

People with Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN) often show behaviors that cause personal and social problems⁵. Being famous or wealthy can make people more narcissistic⁵. This can lead to thinking too highly of oneself, not caring about others, getting angry easily, and feeling alone⁵.

Maladaptive Behaviors of ASN Individuals

Early narcissists often keep their issues to themselves, but ASN is more affected by others⁶. This can cause bad choices, trouble in relationships, and problems with their kids, leading to divorce⁵. Using drugs and abusing power through crime are also common⁵.

ASN can also be a sign of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in those who have been abused by narcissists⁶. It’s a mix of classic NPD and temporary narcissism⁶.

Being around a narcissist or being in a narcissistic group can make someone more narcissistic⁷. This can lower self-esteem and harm relationships as people start to act more narcissistic⁷.

“Remorse, Remediation, and Restoration are key criteria for determining whether one’s narcissism is temporary or inherent in their personality. True narcissists and psychopaths typically fail the test of Remorse, Remediation, and Restoration, demonstrating that their narcissism is likely a permanent feature of their character.”

Knowing the risks and bad behaviors of Acquired Situational Narcissism helps in caring for those with it⁵⁶⁷.

Can Someone Become a Narcissist Later in Life?

Research shows it’s possible to develop narcissistic traits later in life. This is called Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN). It’s different from the usual Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) that starts in the teens or early twenties. ASN can start in late teens or even later, often because of success in achieving wealth, status, and power.

Unlike NPD, which comes from genetics, family, and environment, ASN is mainly caused by success and getting recognized.⁸ This can make someone think more highly of themselves, show less empathy, and dream of power and importance⁸.

NPD is usually found in the young, but research on middle-aged and older people is still needed.⁸ There are worries about wrongly diagnosing and how it affects families of those with late-onset personality disorders⁸.

Studies on can someone develop narcissism later in life and late onset narcissism are ongoing. It shows that becoming narcissistic in adulthood is complex⁸. Knowing more about adulthood narcissism is key to helping those affected⁸.

Factors Contributing to Late-Life Narcissism

Narcissism can start early or later in life, thanks to genetics, family history, and the environment⁹. Studies say that Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is quite common, affecting 0% to 6.2% of people in the U.S⁹.. People who are very narcissistic as kids usually stay that way as they get older. This trait often starts around age 8 and gets worse during the teenage years before it might lessen in adulthood⁹.

Genetic and Environmental Influences

Genes and the environment are key in making someone narcissistic, even later in life⁹. People with NPD often avoid harm, seek new experiences, need lots of praise, and want validation⁹. Research also points out that their brains might be different, with less gray matter in certain areas⁹.

Traumatic Experiences and Childhood Abuse

Bad experiences and abuse in childhood can lead to narcissism later on¹⁰. A study with 303 people aged 65-92 showed that narcissistic traits were linked to stressful past events and weak social connections¹⁰. Parents can help prevent narcissism by setting clear rules and showing love¹⁰.

Knowing what causes late-life narcissism helps us deal with it. This quiz can show if you might be narcissistic or codependent.

“Narcissistic individuals may have greater mood variability and greater reactivity to negative interpersonal events.”

The Narcissistic Admiration Pathway

Narcissism is often seen as valuing “narcissistic admiration.” People with this trait focus more on agentic goals (like status and being unique) than on communal goals (like being part of a group)¹¹. They work hard to keep their self-esteem high and need others to approve of their big self-image¹¹.

But, this way of thinking can start to feel less fulfilling over time. Some people might then lower their high self-opinions¹¹. Research shows narcissistic admiration levels stayed the same from high school to right after college¹¹. This means personality changes might be more complex than we thought.

Prioritizing Agentic Over Communal Goals

Studies reveal that narcissists benefit from chasing after external goals¹². Being narcissistic also links to seeing oneself as very capable¹². This shows that wanting status and being unique is key for narcissists. But, it’s also vital to value being part of a group and feeling accepted for a healthy life.

Finding a balance between personal goals and being part of a community is key. We should not let our desire for self-importance harm our real connections and community ties¹². By grasping the complex nature of narcissistic admiration, we can help ourselves and others grow and build stronger relationships.

Life Events Linked to Increased Narcissistic Admiration

Research shows that some life events can make people more narcissistic. A study found¹³ that when people change their eating or sleeping habits, end a romantic relationship, or switch schools, they might become more narcissistic.

Even failing a big exam can make people more narcissistic. This happens as they try to protect their self-image¹³. These changes can make people feel more powerful and assertive, which boosts their narcissism¹³.

This research shows how life events, good or bad, affect narcissistic traits. It’s important to understand these links to help us grasp how narcissism develops and changes over time¹⁴.

“Narcissism is a double-edged sword – it can provide a sense of empowerment during times of change, but also leave individuals vulnerable to defensive posturing when faced with setbacks,” explains the lead researcher¹³.

Psychologists are still learning about narcissism and its relationship with life events. This study gives us new insights into how our experiences shape our personalities¹³¹⁴.

The Role of College Major and Career Choices

Choosing our college major and career deeply affects our personality. Researchers look into how certain fields might make us more narcissistic¹⁵.

They thought economics majors might be more narcissistic and Machiavellian because of their studies. But, the study didn’t find that to be true¹⁶.

Most people who started new jobs liked them and felt less Machiavellian over time. The study showed no link between economics majors and being more narcissistic or Machiavellian¹⁶.

This means the link between college major, career choices, and narcissism isn’t simple. Other things like personal experiences and life events matter more¹⁵¹⁶.

While our choices in school and work can affect us, they’re not the only thing. Our genes, environment, and life events shape our narcissistic traits and Machiavellianism more¹⁶¹⁷.

Conclusion

Research shows it’s possible to develop narcissistic traits later in life. This is known as Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN). Unlike traditional Narcissistic Personality Disorder, ASN can start in late teens or adulthood. It often happens when someone achieves goals related to wealth, status, and power¹⁸. Genetic makeup, environment, and past traumas can also lead to developing narcissism later in life¹⁸.

Some life events can make people feel more narcissistic at first. But, this feeling can fade over time. Some people might then reduce their self-image¹⁹. A parent showing narcissistic traits in old age, like emotional abuse or lying, shows how complex these issues can be²⁰.

In summary, the article shows that can someone become a narcissist later in life is a real concern. Conditions like ASN can lead to narcissistic traits. Knowing about these traits and their risks can help people and their families deal with these issues. They can also look for support and treatment¹⁸¹⁹²⁰.

FAQ

Can someone become a narcissist later in life?

Yes, it’s possible to develop narcissistic traits later on. This is known as Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN). It’s different from the usual Narcissistic Personality Disorder, which starts in the teens or early twenties. ASN can start later, even in adulthood.

What is Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN)?

ASN was created by Robert B. Millman, a professor at Cornell Medical School. It’s about narcissistic traits that start later in life. These traits often appear when someone achieves success in wealth, status, and power.

How does ASN differ from traditional Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

ASN is different because it starts later in life, often after achieving goals. It’s linked to real power, not just dreams of it. It also comes from getting support from others and society.

What are the risks and maladaptive behaviors associated with ASN?

People with ASN can become very self-centered and may feel anxious, depressed, or lose touch with reality. They might make poor choices, struggle to keep relationships, and have problems with their kids. They could also use drugs or act out in harmful ways.

What factors contribute to the development of late-life narcissism?

Many things can lead to narcissism, including genes, upbringing, and life events. Trauma and abuse in childhood can make someone more likely to become narcissistic later.

What is the narcissistic admiration pathway?

This pathway is about valuing oneself over others. People with high narcissistic admiration want to be seen as special and need others to approve of them. Over time, this can make them feel unhappy.

What life events are linked to increased narcissistic admiration?

Some events can make people feel more narcissistic. For example, getting positive feedback on their habits or ending a bad relationship. Even failing an exam can make someone act more narcissistic to protect their ego.

Does a college major or career choice impact the development of narcissism and Machiavellianism?

Researchers thought that economics majors might become more narcissistic and manipulative. But, the study didn’t support this idea. Most people who started a new job felt better and were less manipulative. But, being an economics major didn’t make them more narcissistic.

Source Links

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