{"id":1283,"date":"2026-06-30T16:49:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T16:49:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/bbc-sciencefocus\/?p=1283"},"modified":"2026-06-30T16:49:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T16:49:56","slug":"5-ways-to-actually-spot-a-narcissist-from-the-experts-who-study-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/bbc-sciencefocus\/2026\/06\/30\/5-ways-to-actually-spot-a-narcissist-from-the-experts-who-study-them\/","title":{"rendered":"5 ways to actually spot a narcissist, from the experts who study them"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Psychology<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 ways to actually spot a narcissist, from the experts who study them<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

They’re not always loud or obvious \u2013 here’s what researchers say to look for instead<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By Michael Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do you have a friend who spends all day talking about themselves? A family member who refuses to take on criticism? A colleague who delights in taking credit for your work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a chance they might be a narcissist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientists aren\u2019t sure exactly how many narcissists live among us. Some studies say less than one per cent, while others suggest that 1 in every 16 people<\/a> could have Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) \u2013 that\u2019s 20 million people in the US alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This chunk of the population \u2013 however big it may be \u2013 is characterised by a lack of empathy, an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and a willingness to exploit others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s perhaps no surprise that these individuals can be difficult to work with. Research<\/a> by British psychologists found that grandiose narcissism \u2013 the inflated belief that you\u2019re brighter, bolder and better than everyone else \u2013 hampers teamwork to a \u201cstriking\u201d degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they tested the puzzle-solving abilities of more than 100 people working in teams, they found that those with more narcissistic traits solved fewer puzzles, reported less unity and found the experience more frustrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Narcissists desire to be the centre of attention, often harming those around them in the process. Photo credit: Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, romantic relationships with narcissists<\/a> are more likely to be afflicted by one-sided emotional investment, explosive arguments and exploitative behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It pays, then, to be able to spot the signs of narcissism \u2013 so you can protect your relationships, your career, and your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just be aware, though, that some of these traits might apply to non-narcissists, and a diagnosis of NPD can only be assigned by a mental health professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that caveat in mind, here\u2019s what to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check to see who continually has the spotlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in a room with someone you suspect is a narcissist, pay attention to who is dominating the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As described<\/a> by psychologists in the 1990s, narcissists love the spotlight and, in social situations, may frequently boast about their own achievements or continually steer the topic back to themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When someone else shares a personal interest or anecdote, the narcissist is unlikely to respond with much genuine concern. Instead, they may \u2018glaze over\u2019 or react with a dismissive attitude<\/a> in place of an empathetic response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conversations with a narcissist are rarely a two-way street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read More:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n