{"id":1047,"date":"2023-03-31T07:49:29","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T07:49:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/?p=1047"},"modified":"2023-09-24T04:41:17","modified_gmt":"2023-09-24T08:41:17","slug":"intj-narcissist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/","title":{"rendered":"INTJ Narcissist: Personality Type Or Personality Disorder?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>I\u2019ve met quite a few people calling themselves INTJs to justify their narcissistic behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And on the other hand, I\u2019ve seen INTJs being called narcissists for being themselves. Me included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, is there any relation between the two?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is every INTJ narcissist, and the other way around?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s debunk that now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#Are_INTJs_Narcissists\" title=\"Are INTJs Narcissists?\">Are INTJs Narcissists?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#Narcissism_at_a_Glance\" title=\"Narcissism at a Glance\">Narcissism at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#What_if_an_INTJ_Suffers_from_NPD\" title=\"What if an INTJ Suffers from NPD?\">What if an INTJ Suffers from NPD?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#Which_MBTI_is_most_narcissistic\" title=\"Which MBTI is most narcissistic?\">Which MBTI is most narcissistic?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#What_MBTI_attracts_narcissists\" title=\"What MBTI attracts narcissists?\">What MBTI attracts narcissists?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#What_is_the_unhealthy_side_of_INTJ\" title=\"What is the unhealthy side of INTJ?\">What is the unhealthy side of INTJ?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/#To_Sum_Things_Up\" title=\"To Sum Things Up\">To Sum Things Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_INTJs_Narcissists\"><\/span>Are INTJs Narcissists?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"10 Reasons The INTJ has NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES | The Architect Personality Type\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gpyNU_sV3eQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, if I had a penny for every time someone said that INTJs are narcissists\u2026 well, I\u2019d be rich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And I totally see why some people may think so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs can appear overly confident and even arrogant. But those are just two traits they share with real narcissists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s way more to narcissism than just a few character traits. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/narcissistic-personality-disorder\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20366662\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Narcissism is a disorder <\/a>characterized by an excessive sense of self-centeredness. Narcissists are preoccupied with their own needs, usually at the expense of other people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And even here, we can see the clear distinction between a narcissist and an INTJ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For narcissists, the world revolves around them. But for INTJs, it\u2019s more about truth and facts rather than anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i.giphy.com\/media\/8SXuareW5sp3Mm0LJW\/giphy.webp\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Or, let\u2019s talk about taking up the leadership role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissists<strong> love being leaders<\/strong>. More often than not, they don\u2019t make great leaders &#8211; but they still choose to take up the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs, on the other hand, <a href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/blog\/intj-leadership\/\">don\u2019t really like being leaders<\/a>. The role requires too much social interaction, which drains them up. Now, they won\u2019t fret about taking up leadership when they\u2019re the best person for the job. But INTJs will never <em>choose<\/em> to lead if they\u2019re unskilled in the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The difference between a narcissist and an INTJ person is clear in their image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissists care very much about how others perceive them, which often causes them to create a false, idealized persona. This typically stems from their need to hide their insecurities and to appear \u201cbetter than others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs don\u2019t really have that problem. Generally, people with this personality type couldn\u2019t care less about what others think of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of their insecurities, narcissists take criticism to heart and can react very turbulently. INTJs, on the other hand, <strong>don\u2019t hate criticism<\/strong> when it\u2019s constructive. No one really likes being criticized, of course, but INTJs know how to take it and learn from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Narcissism_at_a_Glance\"><\/span>Narcissism at a Glance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The psychology of narcissism - W. Keith Campbell\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/arJLy3hX1E8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The term narcissism <a href=\"https:\/\/www.historytoday.com\/archive\/foundations\/myth-narcissus#:~:text=One%20of%20them%2C%20Echo%2C%20was,he%20stared%20until%20he%20died.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">originates from the poem Metamorphoses<\/a>, which originates back to 8 AD. Metamorphoses speaks of a young man named Narcissus who was in love with his own reflection in the water. Eventually, he stared at it until his very last moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The whole concept of self-centeredness has been used in different art forms throughout history. And once psychology developed as a science, it became interested in the concept as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thing is, narcissism is actually a personality trait &#8211; and as such, it\u2019s not necessarily good or bad. It depends a lot on the context as well as the outcomes it can create.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, high levels of narcissistic behavior define a condition &#8211; Narcissistic Personality Disorder. A narcissist has an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcleanhospital.org\/npd-provider-guide\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">exaggerated sense of self-importance<\/a> and a diminished ability to sympathize with others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how do people with NPD act, you might ask?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People with this order:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Need constant admiration and attention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a sense of entitlement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are prone to lies and exaggerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rarely admit their flaws<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get defensive or aggressive when criticized<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project false image of themselves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Habitually invalidate other people\u2019s opinions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manipulate others for their own agenda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make all conversations about themselves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, scientists are yet to discover exactly what causes the disorder. But many studies suggest that <a href=\"https:\/\/ajp.psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/abs\/10.1176\/ajp.150.12.1826\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">excessive praise or judgment by parents<\/a> at a very early age plays an important role. Some studies also suggest that genetics could also be the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, narcissism could be caused by an actual physiological factor. To this day, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0925492714002790?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">only a pilot study has been done<\/a> on the subject, but it suggests that people with NPD may have a different brain structure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Namely, their brains have reduced gray mass in the insular and prefrontal cortex. These areas are associated with feelings of empathy, as well as cognition and emotional regulation. Well, that could certainly explain some things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, what\u2019s clear is that a person doesn\u2019t have much influence on these factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And unfortunately, these narcissistic traits make it hard for them to see there\u2019s something wrong with them. After all, it means they have to accept their whole image is exaggerated and false.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_if_an_INTJ_Suffers_from_NPD\"><\/span>What if an INTJ Suffers from NPD?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" src=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/woman-talking-with-a-therapist.png\" alt=\"woman talking with a therapist\" class=\"wp-image-1055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/woman-talking-with-a-therapist.png 1200w, https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/woman-talking-with-a-therapist-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/woman-talking-with-a-therapist-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/woman-talking-with-a-therapist-768x402.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, can an INTJ suffer from NPD?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Absolutely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that cause of the disorder is way beyond a person\u2019s influence, it has nothing to do with their MBTI type.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And in the case of someone with an INTJ personality type, this disorder can be especially challenging.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, of course, dealing with narcissism is difficult, regardless of your MBTI type. But when you add INTJ personality traits into the equation, you\u2019re in for a ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs already have a hard time connecting to other people. They can appear distant and cold. But as narcissists, they\u2019re also very assertive and overly confident, which others will find too repulsive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, many INTJ traits are in complete contrast with narcissism.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While INTJs don\u2019t care about others\u2019 approval and admiration, narcissists live for it. And when you\u2019re both of them, you\u2019re in constant battle with your goals and desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order for an INTJ to deal with narcissism, the first step is realizing there\u2019s a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hopefully, this is where their rational side should win, resulting in them seeking treatment from mental health professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NPD is not an easy disorder to treat since there\u2019s no medicine for it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.talkspace.com\/mental-health\/conditions\/narcissistic-personality-disorder\/therapy-treatment-types\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The only treatment is psychotherapy<\/a>, which requires time and patience. But given how INTJs are determined and motivated by the big picture, they can have great outcomes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have other narcissism-related questions? Here\u2019s a short FAQ that should solve any doubts you might have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-faq-block\"><div class=\"rank-math-faq-item\"><h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_MBTI_is_most_narcissistic\"><\/span>Which MBTI is most narcissistic?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"rank-math-answer\">If we\u2019re talking about healthy levels of narcissism, that\u2019s most apparent with the ESTP Myers Briggs personality type. People with this personality type are very extroverted, charismatic, and love being the center of attention.&nbsp;<\/div><\/div><div class=\"rank-math-faq-item\"><h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_MBTI_attracts_narcissists\"><\/span>What MBTI attracts narcissists?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"rank-math-answer\">INFPs are magnets for narcissists. People with this personality type are very empathetic to people around them. However, they can also be very emotionally vulnerable and too focused on pleasing others. That, of course, attracts narcissists. And relationship with a narcissist is very difficult to deal with.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"rank-math-faq-item\"><h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_unhealthy_side_of_INTJ\"><\/span>What is the unhealthy side of INTJ?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><div class=\"rank-math-answer\">When unhealthy, INTJs can express <a href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/blog\/intj-dark-side\">their unhealthy side<\/a>, which can be close to some narcissistic tendencies. Namely, they can be overly dismissive of other people\u2019s opinions and feelings. They can also be very defensive of their opinions, which makes them appear rude and assertive.<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"To_Sum_Things_Up\"><\/span>To Sum Things Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>INTJs may share some characteristics with narcissism, such as confidence and selfishness. However, they are not more or less likely to be narcissists compared to any other types. That\u2019s something determined by biological or socio-environmental factors, not a personality type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Narcissism isn\u2019t an easy disorder to treat. But since INTJs value rationality and improvement, they might be able to deal with it better than other MBTI types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Wonder if there\u2019s any truth to INTJ stereotypes?<\/strong> Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/blog\/intj-stereotypes\/\">our article that debunks myths from the truth<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/web-stories\/intj-narcissist\/\">Click here to view the Web story of this article.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019ve met quite a few people calling themselves INTJs to justify their narcissistic behavior. And on the other hand, I\u2019ve seen INTJs being called narcissists for being themselves. Me included. Now, is there any relation between the two? Is every INTJ narcissist, and the other way around? Let\u2019s debunk that now. Are INTJs Narcissists? Now, &#8230; <a title=\"INTJ Narcissist: Personality Type Or Personality Disorder?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/intj-narcissist\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about INTJ Narcissist: Personality Type Or Personality Disorder?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1052,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1047"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1047"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1047\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2051,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1047\/revisions\/2051"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1052"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1047"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1047"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intjsecrets.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1047"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}