Psychological Characteristics of Empathy and Self-Attitude in Narcissistic Personality Type
Sara Rahimli
Abstract. This article is devoted to the study of the psychological characteristics of empathy and self-attitude in individuals with narcissistic personality traits. Narcissism is considered a system of personality characteristics marked by a sense of uniqueness and superiority, a strong need for admiration, a tendency to seek attention, and certain difficulties in interpersonal relationships. The relevance of the study is determined by the impact of narcissistic traits on an individual’s emotional and social functioning. Empathy and self-attitude are examined as important psychological indicators for understanding the development and manifestations of narcissistic personality traits.
Research findings indicate that narcissistic traits are associated with different components of empathy. Individuals with pronounced narcissistic characteristics may demonstrate a reduced ability to perceive, experience, and share the emotional states of others, which can contribute to misunderstandings and difficulties in social interactions. At the same time, cognitive empathy, which involves understanding the thoughts and intentions of others, may remain relatively intact and can be utilized in the pursuit of personal goals. These distinctions between affective and cognitive empathy provide a deeper understanding of the psychological nature of narcissistic behavior.
Keywords: narcissistic personality, empathy, self-attitude, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships