Narcissism vs. Selfishness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 18, 2023
Narcissism; Excessive self-focus and self-admiration. Selfishness; Lack of consideration for others' needs.
Key Differences
Narcissism involves an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for admiration. Selfishness is more about prioritizing one's needs over others without the inflated ego.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
While narcissism often includes a lack of empathy and manipulative behavior, selfishness does not necessarily involve manipulation but is rather a disregard for others.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Narcissism is recognized as a personality disorder in severe cases, where it affects social functioning. Selfishness is generally a behavioral trait and not classified as a disorder.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Narcissists seek admiration and attention and may belittle others to feel superior. Selfish people may simply act in their own interest without seeking admiration.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Narcissism can lead to destructive relationships due to a lack of empathy. Selfishness can also strain relationships but doesn’t always involve a lack of empathy.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Excessive self-focus and need for admiration
Prioritizing own needs with little regard for others
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Traits
Inflated ego, lack of empathy, manipulative
Lack of consideration, disregard for others' needs
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Behavior
Seeks admiration and attention
Acts in own interest without needing admiration
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
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Narcissism and Selfishness Definitions
Narcissism
Narcissism involves an inflated sense of self-importance.
“Her narcissism made her believe she was superior to her colleagues.”
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Selfishness
Selfishness is a lack of consideration for others.
“His selfishness showed when he refused to share his notes with the class.”
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Narcissism
Narcissism can involve manipulative behavior to maintain superiority.
“His narcissism was evident in the way he manipulated people to get what he wanted.”
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Selfishness
Selfishness involves little regard for others’ needs.
“Her selfishness was apparent when she ignored her friend’s request for help.”
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Narcissism
Narcissism is characterized by a deep need for admiration.
“His narcissism drove him to seek constant praise from others.”
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
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Selfishness
Selfishness can involve ignoring others' feelings.
“His selfishness was clear when he disregarded his partner’s feelings during the argument.”
Harlon Moss
Oct 27, 2023
Narcissism
Narcissism is an extreme self-love.
“His narcissism was evident in the way he constantly admired himself in the mirror.”
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 27, 2023
Selfishness
Selfishness is prioritizing one's own needs over others.
“His selfishness was clear when he ate the last slice of cake without offering it to anyone else.”
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Narcissism
Narcissism often includes a lack of empathy for others.
“Her narcissism prevented her from understanding her friend’s feelings.”
Janet White
Oct 27, 2023
Selfishness
Selfishness often means not sharing with others.
“Her selfishness was evident when she wouldn’t share her umbrella in the rain.”
Sara Rehman
Oct 27, 2023
Selfishness
Concerned chiefly or excessively with oneself, and having little regard for others
A selfish child who wouldn't share toys.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Narcissism
A personality disorder characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Also called narcissistic personality disorder.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Selfishness
Showing or arising from an excessive concern with oneself and a lack of concern for others
A selfish whim.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Narcissism
Pleasure derived from contemplation or admiration of one's own body or self, considered in psychoanalytic theory to be a fixation on or a regression to an infantile stage of development.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Selfishness
The quality of being selfish; the condition of putting one's own interests before those of others.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Selfishness
The quality or state of being selfish; exclusive regard to one's own interest or happiness; that supreme self-love or self-preference which leads a person to direct his purposes to the advancement of his own interest, power, or happiness, without regarding those of others.
Selfishness, - a vice utterly at variance with the happiness of him who harbors it, and, as such, condemned by self-love.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Selfishness
Stinginess resulting from a concern for your own welfare and a disregard of others
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Do narcissists lack empathy?
Yes, a common trait of narcissism is a lack of empathy.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Is selfishness considered a disorder?
No, it’s generally a behavioral trait, not a disorder.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
What defines selfishness?
Selfishness is prioritizing one's needs with little regard for others.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Can narcissism be a disorder?
Yes, in severe cases, it’s recognized as a personality disorder.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Can a selfish person be empathetic?
Yes, selfishness doesn’t always involve a lack of empathy.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Does selfishness include manipulation?
Not necessarily; it’s more about disregard for others.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Can narcissism affect relationships?
Yes, it often leads to destructive relationships.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Does narcissism worsen with age?
It can, if not addressed through therapy or self-awareness.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Is manipulation a trait of narcissism?
Yes, narcissists often exhibit manipulative behavior.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Can a selfish person be a narcissist?
A selfish person may exhibit narcissistic traits but isn’t necessarily a narcissist.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
How is narcissism diagnosed?
It’s diagnosed by mental health professionals based on specific criteria.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Are there degrees of narcissism?
Yes, it can range from mild traits to severe narcissistic personality disorder.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Can selfishness be changed?
Yes, with self-awareness and effort, one can become less selfish.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Does selfishness strain relationships?
It can, due to disregard for others’ needs.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Are all narcissists selfish?
Narcissism often includes selfish behavior, but it’s more complex.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Are narcissists aware of their behavior?
They may not be fully aware or may not see it as a problem.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Can culture influence selfishness?
Yes, cultural norms can impact what’s seen as selfish behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Is narcissism treatable?
Therapy can help manage narcissistic traits, but it’s challenging.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Can selfish behavior be occasional?
Yes, some people may act selfishly in certain situations.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
