Veiled and Vulnerable: The Other Side of Grandiose Narcissism

This paper provides a consideration of a broadened scope of pathological narcissism, with particular attention towards the hidden and vulnerable aspects of this clinical phenomenon. The narcissism construct is briefly reviewed, along with contemporary issues in understanding the different presentations of narcissistic dysfunction. Selections from the theoretical literature are then explored in order to offer a nuanced conceptualization of the vulnerable side of pathological narcissism. Clinical implications of these perspectives are then discussed, along with clinical case material, to illustrate the presentation and treatment of narcissistic vulnerability.