Narcissism involves having an unrealistic sense of self-importance and a need for admiration. In communal narcissism, a person fulfills this need by participating in a group, such as a workplace or charity.
Rather than focusing on their own interests, a person who engages in communal narcissism may act exceptionally kind, friendly, or helpful in group settings. However, the true motive is not to be helpful but to gain praise.
As with other forms of narcissism, people who display communal narcissism still have similar feelings of entitlement or superiority.
Read on to learn what communal narcissism is, how it differs from individual narcissism, potential signs a person has this trait, and more.
Narcissism is a personality trait. It describes an unrealistically high sense of self-importance, which people often try to reinforce by seeking admiration from others.
Many people have a certain degree of narcissism. Sometimes, it only affects certain areas of life. For example, a person may have some narcissism around their appearance or intelligence but otherwise have realistic and balanced views of themselves and others.
In communal narcissism, the focus is on how a person functions within a social group. This could be a:
- family
- community
- religious organization
- charity
- workplace
- online group or
social media platform
Within the group, a person may view themselves as the most helpful, friendly, moral, or hardworking member and use their participation to gain the admiration they desire.
It is important to note that communal narcissism is not a medical diagnosis. It is a way of describing a personality trait or pattern of behavior.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a distinct medical condition and can be severe.
The idea of communal narcissism comes from a psychological theory that splits narcissistic behavior into two types: agentic and communal.
In agentic narcissism, a person satisfies their need for praise by focusing on themselves as an individual. For example, they may:
- show off
- overshadow others
- brag or exaggerate about themselves
This is the form of narcissism many people may have heard of.
In communal narcissism, a person satisfies their need for praise by focusing on their role within a group. They may express altruistic beliefs or motives and may behave altruistically too.
But according to a 2018 review, the underlying motive for both forms of narcissism is the same, and both can be harmful.
Because communal narcissism is not a medical condition, there is no defined set of signs or symptoms that a person has this trait.
However, a review of previous research has identified some common themes.
Unrealistic self-perception
People who display communal narcissism often believe they are exceptionally community-minded or “prosocial”. For example, a person with this trait may feel that of everyone they know, they are the:
- best parent
- most understanding friend
- most committed volunteer
This is not the same thing as having healthy self-esteem. People who are genuinely caring may know that they are and may be proud of this fact, but they do not need continued praise or admiration to satisfy an inflated sense of self.
Seeking praise
Despite seeming to want to benefit a group, a person with narcissistic tendencies mainly wants to benefit themselves. Even when acting communally, they may seek praise by:
- giving more time, energy, or money than everyone else
- exaggerating their contributions
- vocally supporting the group’s values or aims in front of others
Contradictory behavior
According to research in a 2018 review, those with communal narcissism may not be much kinder or more well-liked than anyone else, despite what they believe. In fact, they may be less so, with others rating them as less communal.
This effect may intensify if they get what they want. An older 2015 study reported that when people with this trait had the power or praise they desired, they were less likely to behave communally.
In addition to communal and agentic narcissism, there are two other ways of categorizing this trait: overt and covert.
Overt or “grandiose” narcissism is more extroverted and attention-seeking. Covert or “vulnerable” narcissism is more introverted, avoidant, or defensive.
Learn more about covert narcissism.
It can be difficult to spot communal narcissism, and there are still a lot of experts who do not know about how it may cause problems. People with this trait may be hard to distinguish from those with genuine good intentions, especially online.
However, when dealing with narcissism or manipulative behavior more generally, people can try:
Setting boundaries
If a group has rules or boundaries that outline what behavior is acceptable, remind the person of those boundaries. Be firm, clear, and direct.
If a group does not already have these kinds of boundaries, it may be helpful to create some.
Explaining the consequences
If problematic behavior continues, people can explain the boundaries or rules of the group again and what the consequences are for crossing them.
For example, a person might say:
- “Remember that teamwork is evaluated in performance reviews. Everyone here has something to contribute.”
- “Being competitive distracts us from our work. If it continues, we may need to move people off the project.”
- “This group is about showing support and compassion. People who do not follow our community guidelines will need to leave.”
Distancing or leaving
If a person with narcissistic traits is the most influential member of a group, the above methods may not work. Sometimes, the only way to prevent narcissism from affecting others is to reduce contact.
In families, this may mean limiting communication or visiting hours with this person. In groups or organizations, it may mean participating less or only attending when they are not present.
In some cases, people may feel it is better for their own well-being to stop contact entirely.
Learn more about dealing with narcissism.
If a person suspects communal narcissism, it may help to avoid:
- Calling them a narcissist: This is unlikely to help the situation, especially if people do this publicly. It may also be incorrect. Instead, focus on the person’s specific behaviors.
- Arguing: Try to avoid getting into debates about whether something really happened or who said what. Again, focus on the specific behaviors that are causing problems.
- Bending the rules: People may try to justify their behavior or guilt people for calling them out on it by bringing up how much they do for others. Do not allow this to change the conversation. Apply the rules or boundaries consistently to everyone.
Communal narcissism is a personality trait or pattern of behavior. It occurs when people participate in a social group in order to gain praise and admiration, reinforcing their belief that they are superior to others.
People who display communal narcissism are not sincerely interested in helping others. They may believe they are the kindest, most committed, or most helpful person in a group, but their behavior will not necessarily match up to this.
Despite the outward appearance, communal narcissism originates from the same unrealistic self-perception that other forms of narcissism do, and it can still be harmful.