Narcissistic Injury
Why They Rage, Blame, and Bully
Written by Randi Fine, Narcissistic Abuse Expert
Narcissistic Abuse Awareness and Guidance with Randi Fine
Narcissistic Injury is the term used to describe the emotional torment suffered by someone with narcissistic personality disorder when under perceived “attack.” If you have ever questioned a narcissist or tried to hold him or her accountable for the behavior you have certainly experienced the rage of narcissistic injury.
Just below the surface of every narcissist lie repressed aggression, paranoia, suspicion and fear. They are volatile, dramatic, and emotional people who feed off of any kind of drama—good or bad, negative or positive. When there isn’t enough drama in their lives they create it.
The narcissist cannot tolerate any suggestion that he is less than perfect. He perceives criticism as a threat to his self-worth and self-esteem, and that wounds him to the core. By core I mean the fragile underbelly beneath his tough facade that he consciously denies.
When a narcissist’s expectations are not met or he feels criticized, disapproved of or blamed, narcissistic injury triggers erratic responses such as rage, blame, or the cold-shouldered silent treatment.
Negative feedback of any sort, even an innocuous suggestion that a person wishes to be treated better, can trigger the vicious outbursts known as “narcissist