Article written by Margarita Sisam.

There was a very good TV programme last night on the general characteristics that psychologists have noted are present in varying degrees across a continuum in a narcissistic personality - described as something like 'malignant self love'.

Some of the behaviours included:

• arrogance
• grandiosity
• being domineering and controlling
• lack of empathy - unable to 'put themselves in another's shoes'
• exploitative of others with total disregard of another's well being
• exaggerated sense of self importance
• exaggerated sense of entitlement
• overriding need to be listened to and acknowledged - 'my way or the highway'
• unable to be confronted or humiliated without hostility
• very envious
• goal oriented - wilful disregard to get what want, regardless of who have to step on to achieve goal
• smouldering and unpredictable outbursts of rage - impulsive swings from 'mild to wild'

All very familiar and am sure we all entertain aspects of those behaviours to varying degrees. The programme either conducted interviews or compiled biographies of several people right across the spectrum to look at the behaviours of those who exhibited one or two, several, or all of the characteristics - including some from the corporate world who are often encouraged or applauded on several of the behaviours that produce bottom line profits. A couple of people who had been unfortunate enough to get caught in the narcissistic subordinate slip stream were also interviewed. Two of them talked about the debilitating experience of literally being taken apart by someone else under the guise of exacting corporate 'performance'. The programme also included a biography at the extreme end of the spectrum that had ended in mayhem and murder.

Fascinating really. We humans are certainly interesting beings as we gradually learn over the millennia to rein in the senses and become skilful charioteers on the stage of life!

Margarita Sisam