What in the World How to REALLY spot a narcissist and can they change?
Sep 4, 2025
In this insightful discussion, clinical psychologist Ramani Durvasula, a bestselling author and leading expert on narcissism, delves into the complexities of identifying narcissistic behaviors. She explains the spectrum of narcissism, differentiating it from Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in relationships. Listeners learn how to spot early signs of narcissism and the societal factors that may encourage such traits. Moreover, Ramani addresses whether narcissists can change and how understanding these dynamics can empower individuals.
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Naming The Problem Helped People Heal
- Dr. Ramani says giving people a name for their pain created community and helped healing.
- People previously thought they were alone or that their partner was 'cool' while they were the problem.
What Narcissism Really Is
- Narcissism is a personality style marked by low/variable empathy, entitlement, emotional dysregulation, and need for admiration.
- One trait alone doesn't make someone narcissistic; the traits must cluster and operate together.
How Common Narcissism Is
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder is rare, but noticeable narcissistic traits appear in roughly 10–12% of people.
- Social media amplifies their visibility, making narcissism seem more common than it is.