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Am I a Covert Narcissist?

Take this quiz to learn if you show the signs.

Are you wondering if you have the covert form of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)? NPD is a mental health disorder characterized by high self-importance, a lack of empathy, and low self-esteem. While overt (grandiose) narcissists tend to be extroverted and sociable, covert narcissists are more withdrawn and, on the surface, might not appear narcissistic at all.

While only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose you with NPD, this quiz can help you get a better sense of whether you have traits and tendencies associated with covert narcissism.

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Questions Overview

1. You often fantasize about being important, special, or powerful.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
2. You’re really sensitive to criticism and easily get hurt or angered by it.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
3. People would describe you as shy, withdrawn, or introverted.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
4. You often feel jealous of other people and think you deserve what they have.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
5. You often feel anxious about being “found out” as a failure or fraud.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
6. You often feel depressed or empty, especially when you don’t receive the praise or admiration you feel you deserve.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
7. You feel inadequate and like you’re not good enough.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
8. You fish for compliments by putting yourself down.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
9. You’re passive-aggressive when people do something that upsets you.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
10. You hold grudges when people wrong you or get things you think you deserve more.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
11. You do kind or generous things mainly so other people will recognize and admire you for it.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.
12. You have trouble building and maintaining genuine relationships.
  1. Yes, regularly.
  2. Sometimes, but not consistently.
  3. Rarely.
  4. No, never.

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What is Covert Narcissism, Exactly?

Most people think of a narcissist as someone who’s extroverted, charming, and assertive, but that’s actually not always the case. Some people with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are introverted and shy, and they might not appear to outsiders to be narcissists at all. People with this form of NPD are often called covert narcissists.

Unlike overt narcissists (or grandiose narcissists, as mental health professionals say), who are typically outgoing and sociable, covert narcissists are more withdrawn and less likely to socialize with others. They still have the same overly high self-importance as an overt narcissist, but they’re less likely to show it outwardly. Instead, they’re often self-deprecating in an attempt to get the compliments and attention they feel they deserve.

Covert narcissists still have the primary traits of standard NPD, including a lack of empathy, an excessive need for praise, and a sense of entitlement, but, in the covert narcissist’s case, these things manifest in unique ways. Some common traits of covert narcissism include:

  • Difficulty making friends
  • Shyness
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Passive aggression
  • Envy of others
  • Self-serving generosity

It’s important to remember that even if you have some of these traits, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a covert narcissist. Everyone is capable of having some narcissistic tendencies. If you’re concerned that you may have NPD, reach out to a qualified mental health professional for an official diagnosis.

Want to learn more?

For more information about covert narcissism, check out these resources:

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