Infantilism and narcissism. Two concepts that are often confused, but even more often they go hand in hand. An infantile person is a "forever child" who does not want to take responsibility. A narcissist is a "grown-up with a crown on his head" who requires admiration. But if you look closely, they have a lot in common: egocentrism, lack of empathy, low frustration tolerance. Moreover, infantilism can be a mask for narcissism, and narcissism is often fueled by infantilism. In this article, we will discuss what they have in common, what sets them apart, and what to do if you find these traits in yourself or in those close to you.

What is infantilism in adults

Infantilism is the retention in the psyche of an adult of traits characteristic of children. It is not a diagnosis, but a personal characteristic. It manifests in a reluctance to make decisions, shirking responsibility, seeking a "parent" (partner, boss, state) who will do everything. An infantile person lives for the day, cannot plan, easily succumbs to immediate desires. He may be charming, spontaneous, but his spontaneity quickly wears out. In a crisis situation, he falls into a stupor or a fit of hysteria instead of acting. He does not like to be "taught", but at the same time he constantly complains and moans. Example: a 35-year-old man who lives with his mother, works as a courier, and spends all his free money on games. Or a woman who delegates all household chores to her husband and complains about being tired.

What is narcissism in adults

Narcissism is a personality trait (in its extreme form - a disorder) characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy. Unlike an infantile person, a narcissist can be very successful, goal-oriented, and even a workaholic. But his success is not an end in itself, but a way to gain admiration. A narcissist cannot tolerate criticism, belittles others, retaliates for wounded pride. He is not able to have genuine closeness, uses people as a drug to boost his self-esteem. Example: a boss who takes all the credit for his subordinates' achievements and fires them for the slightest disagreement. Or a partner who requires constant attention but is not interested in the feelings of the other.

Similarities: common root

Both the infantile person and the narcissist are egocentric. The world revolves around them, their desires, their grievances. Both are unable to compromise healthily. Both fear adult responsibility (but differently: the infantile person avoids it, the narcissist simulates it, actually fearing failure). Both have low self-esteem under a mask. The infantile person looks insecure, the narcissist - supremely confident, but both are vulnerable deep down. Both grew up in dysfunctional families: either overprotection or coldness and violence. Both have difficulty handling rejection. If they are refused, the infantile person will be offended and withdraw into himself, while the narcissist will go wild and start retaliating.

Differences: the infantile person does not make grandiose plans

The infantile person does not aspire to greatness, he wants to be left alone and allowed to play. The narcissist, on the other hand, thirsts for a pedestal. The infantile person may admit to being wrong (although only if it does not require effort), while the narcissist never will. The infantile person is more like a "lazy child," while the narcissist is like a "capricious king." In relationships, the infantile person expects to be cared for as a baby; the narcissist expects worship as a god. The infantile person is prone to addictions (alcohol, games, food), while the narcissist is prone to workaholism and shopaholism (status items). At the same time, a combination is possible: a narcissist can be infantile at home (not wash the dishes, not pay the bills), but aggressive in his career.

Cocktail: narcissistic infantilism

The most difficult variant is when the traits are mixed. A person simultaneously requires admiration and does not take any real responsibility. He considers himself a genius but cannot pay for an apartment. He yearns for power but is not able to organize even his day. Such people often become tyrants in the family: they shout, humiliate, but at the same time they do not work or work half-heartedly. They always expect someone to take care of them: the state, parents, partner. At the same time, they sincerely do not understand why those around them are not delighted. This is an extremely toxic type of personality that destroys everyone who falls into its orbit.

Causes of formation

Both phenomena have their roots in childhood. Infantilism is due to overprotection ("mom will decide everything") or, conversely, due to trauma when a child gets stuck in the stage of "I do not want to grow up because adults are cruel". Narcissism is due to alternating idealization and devaluation: parents praise (you are a genius) and belittle (you are a nothing) at the same time. The child learns to protect himself through a grandiose "I". Often in families with narcissists and infantiles, boundaries were violated, there was no healthy separation. Cultural factors: social networks cultivate infantile needs for likes (instant pleasure) and narcissistic displays of success.

How to recognize the combination in a partner

At the beginning of relationships, such a person may be charming (narcissistic "idealization") and spontaneous (infantile lightness). But then you notice: he does not keep his promises, shifts household chores to you, requires admiration, but does nothing to deserve it. He may have a tantrum if you do not buy him a toy, and the next day demand that you admire his brilliant idea. He does not know how to be happy for your successes, but constantly complains about his failures. If you try to talk about his behavior, he either attacks ("it's all your fault") or gets offended ("you do not love me"). This is a vicious circle.

Can such people change

It is easiest to change pure infantilism without narcissism. If a person realizes the problem and wants to grow up, psychotherapy (schema therapy, CBT) helps him, training in responsibility, financial planning. Narcissism is harder to treat: a narcissist rarely goes to a psychologist because he does not see the problem ("it's the world of fools"). If a narcissist goes to therapy (often due to depression or loss of relationships), the process takes years. And the combination of infantilism and narcissism is the worst prognosis. Therapy lasts for years, and success is not guaranteed. Therefore, psychologists often advise partners of such people not to wait for a miracle, but to save themselves.

What to do if you recognize yourself

First, admit the problem. If you understand that you are that "eternal child" or "crowned egoist," this is the first step. Second, seek help from a psychotherapist. Do not try to deal with it yourself, the roots are deeper. Third, start with small steps: learn to take responsibility for your finances, emotions, time. Stop shifting the blame. Learn to say "no" to your whims. And most importantly, stop looking for a "parent" in a partner or boss. It is difficult, painful, but it gives a chance for a happy life. You have the right to make mistakes, but you do not have the right to destroy others with your immaturity. Infantilism and narcissism are two sides of the same coin of immaturity. They destroy relationships, careers, health. But there is a way out. The path to adulthood lies through pain - the pain of realizing that you are not the center of the universe, that others also have feelings, that life requires effort. But the reward is freedom, respect, and finally, true closeness. Are you ready for it?
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