Grandiose narcissism is characterized by extraversion, low neuroticism, and overt expressions of superiority and entitlement.

They are owing to their boasting.

They believe that they are somehow above the rest of us and that they, therefore, are entitled to special treatment.

In their view, our job is to cater to their needs. They are true egomaniacs.

Grandiose narcissists have a lack of insight as to how they portray themselves, which impacts interpersonal relationships.

Individuals who embody grandiose narcissism often use overt self-enhancement strategies to maintain their grandiose fantasies and high self-view.

The externalizing behaviors, or actions others can see, exemplified in grandiose individuals, help them thrive in self-promoting environments. Grandiose narcissists are initially well-liked by peers.

However, their popularity decreases after prolonged exposure to a superb narcissistic individual.

Additionally, narcissists react with combative behavior in situations with negative feedback, ego threats, or controversial interactions to preserve their inflated self-perceptions.

To maintain their grandiose fantasies, narcissists may come off as arrogant, portray aggression, display interpersonal dominance, have high physiological reactivity, and thrive in self-promoting environments.

When one’s achievement or sense of accomplishment is threatened, grandiose narcissists lash out aggressively.

Any conflict within the individual’s external environment that contradicts their self-view creates dissonance and requires implementing self-esteem regulation.

Externalizing strategies such as devaluing and blaming are just a few of the defense tactics in which grandiose narcissists attempt to regulate their self-esteem and affect

Grandiose narcissists may act empathetic and supportive of others but will simultaneously harbor disgust and contempt for the vulnerable person.

By providing instrumental support, the Grandiose narcissistic individual uses the situation to reinforce their self-view of specialness.