The sense of self-importance of narcissistic people can weaken, according to a new study of 37.000 people.
With age, they become more empathetic, generous and pleasant, but they never fully grow out of their unreasonable sense of self-importance.
Narcissistic tendencies, observed in childhood, remain present in adulthood, researchers say.
In particular, they draw attention to three types of narcissistic behavior.
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Who are narcissists and how to recognize them?
The word narcissist is often used as an insult, for people who are difficult or unpleasant.
Anyone can exhibit narcissistic traits, but experts use this term to describe a diagnosed personality disorder.
There are various definitions, but what narcissists have in common is that they believe they are better or have more merit than other people.
In layman's terms, their behavior is often described as arrogance or selfishness.
The paper, published in the professional magazine Sajkolodžikal bulletin (Psychological Bulletin) analyzes data from the 51st study, which involved 37.247 people aged eight to 77.
Researchers have determined that there are three types of narcissists:
- proactive narcissists, who consider themselves superior to other people and crave admiration;
- antagonistic narcissists, who see others as rivals, are exploitative and lack empathy;
- neurotic narcissists, who often feel shame, are insecure and overly sensitive to criticism.
By studying the personality traits of these three groups, the scientists noticed that narcissistic traits moderated with age.
However, the changes were small and gradual.
"Of course with some the changes are more pronounced, but you shouldn't expect narcissists to be new people when you meet them after a few years," says Dr. Ulrich Orth from the University of Bern in Switzerland, for BBC News.
Sometimes, narcissistic traits can be helpful in life, at least in the short term.
In the short term, they help to achieve popularity or achieve success in business, but the long-term consequences are mostly negative, because narcissists enter into conflicts.
"Partners, children, friends, co-workers and employees can feel these consequences," adds Dr. Ort.
Dr. Sarah Davis, psychologist and author of How to Leave a Narcissistic Partner, says that while people may sometimes seem arrogant or selfish, that doesn't mean they're a clinical example of a narcissist.
"Narcissists tend to be envious and jealous, exploitative and manipulative," says Dr. Davis.
"They don't feel remorse, or responsibility, like people who are not narcissists," he adds.
Dr Davies says social media has led to a boom in interest in narcissism.
"It is somewhat useful, because it helps to inform more people.
"Unfortunately, sometimes the idea of the clinical meaning of this term is lost," says the doctor.
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She adds that the following signs indicate a narcissistic personality:
- constant drama - the narcissist needs to be needed, causes chaos and conflict;
- no sincere apology - they never take full responsibility for their own behavior;
- blame game - they manipulate and exploit others for their own benefit.
Dr Tennyson Lee, a London psychiatrist, says the findings of the new study are very useful.
"The good news is that narcissism fades with age, and the bad news is that the improvement is not drastic," he says.
The doctor adds that you shouldn't expect a narcissist to suddenly change when they reach a certain age.
"Such expectations can have implications for the long-term partner, who may be hoping that an improvement is around the corner," he says.
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