What Is Covert Narcissistic Abuse? Recognizing Manipulation Tactics

What is covert narcissism?

When many people think of narcissistic abuse, they often think of excessive arrogance, blatant demands for attention, and conspicuous manipulation tactics like love bombing. In some cases, however, narcissistic behavior can be less obvious and potentially more damaging. Covert narcissism refers to the passive, subtle expression of harmful narcissistic traits. 

Many of the forms of manipulation used by covert narcissists rise to the level of emotional abuse, or covert narcissistic abuse. They can often cause substantial harm not only to their partners but also to family members in abusive relationships. If you’re in a relationship with someone who has covert narcissism, it can be helpful to know how they may attempt to control or influence you. Below, we’re going to discuss covert narcissistic abuse—its definition, signs, and associated manipulation tactics.

Covert narcissistic abuse or "vulnerable narcissism"

Narcissistic personality disorder is typically marked by an outsized sense of self-importance, the desire for attention and admiration, and trouble empathizing with others. Those with NPD or those with a narcissistic personality can, however, express these common traits differently—and possess varying ancillary traits—depending on whether they have overt or covert narcissism. Overt narcissism, also called grandiose narcissism, is the presentation that many people think of when they imagine this personality disorder. Overt narcissists are often more extroverted, and their need to feel superior is typically shown through grandiose behavior that reinforces their abilities and positive qualities. Someone with grandiose narcissism will often show overt behaviors to try to control others and get their way through more transparent guilt trips or appeals to emotion. 

Covert narcissism, on the other hand, is often expressed through subtle ways of manipulation.

Passive aggressive behavior and control

Covert narcissists are easily hurt by criticism, which is called a narcissistic injury, and are more prone to certain mental health challenges. Studies suggest that vulnerable narcissists experience a greater risk of anxiety and depression than grandiose narcissists. While people with overt narcissism often seem charming, well-spoken, brusque, or judgmental, someone with covert narcissism can appear distressed, shy, aloof, or cold.

Introverted passive agressive tendencies in a cover narcissist

Some signs of covert narcissistic tendencies are if they are more introverted, with a need for admiration that may be displayed more subtly through passive-aggressive statements or self-deprecation. They may also use different manipulation tactics than overt narcissists, attempting to control others by feigning helplessness or playing the victim. Covert narcissism, a more subtle form of narcissism, is often less blatant than overt narcissism and can be hard to detect. Therefore, it can be key to set clear boundaries from the beginning. 

Covert narcissistic abuse and narcissistic personality disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, is a mental health condition experienced by many who may show overt and covert forms of narcissism. The condition is characterized by a lack of empathy, an inflated sense of importance, and an excessive need for admiration. NPD can lead to serious challenges, often affecting an individual’s personal relationships, ability to work, and overall quality of life. Not every person who displays covert narcissistic tendencies has NPD, though—some people’s narcissistic traits do not meet the criteria for NPD, despite their significant impacts. To distinguish NPD from other personality disorders, such as bipolar disorder, there are several specific symptoms or signs that professionals look out for. 

Cover narcissists: Signs to look for

Common signs of narcissistic personality disorder related to covert narcissism include: 

• Unreasonably high sense of self-importance
• A desire for regular, excessive admiration
• The belief that they deserve special privileges or treatment
• A lack of empathy
• Sense of superiority and desire to be recognized as superior
• Preoccupation with fantasies about success, power, beauty, or brilliance
• Overly critical of people they feel are not important
• Expecting special favors
• Expecting others to do what they ask without question
• Taking advantage of other people to get what they want
• Hypersensitivity to criticism
• Envy of others and a belief that others envy them
• Strongly opposed to change

Covert narcissists can have varying behaviors

Not everyone with NPD will exhibit abusive behaviors, and with proper support, many individuals with NPD or narcissistic tendencies can lead fulfilling lives with healthy relationships. However, if someone you know is exhibiting abusive or aggressive behavior, such as by manipulating you, giving you the “silent treatment,” or otherwise being harmful, you may wish to seek support yourself. 

Covert narcissistic manipulation tactics

Psychological manipulation, often a form of covert abuse, is typically intended to exert control, exploit, or otherwise influence another person for one’s own gain. Manipulation, a clear sign of abusive behavior, is often used by people with covert narcissistic traits to put others down, get what they want, or avoid taking responsibility for their actions. 

A covert narcissist’s need for admiration, superiority, and attention, combined with their introversion and low self-esteem, can cause them to utilize passive-aggressive or indirect tactics as well as abusive behaviors to manipulate others and make themselves feel better. Common manifestations of this type of covert narcissistic abuse include gaslighting, deflection, and intimidation. Below, we’re going to review these methods of manipulation so that you may better recognize them if they’re used in one of your relationships.

Gaslighting

The term gaslighting refers to efforts to make another person feel as though they cannot trust their reality. For those with covert narcissism, it may be used to preserve a sense of superiority and keep others from questioning their narcissistic behaviors. For example, if someone with covert narcissism makes a self-deprecating remark—another common manipulation tactic—that you later bring up, they may deny ever having said it. They might respond with something like, “I didn’t say that. Are you sure you weren’t just tired?” in order to make you question yourself. This can be a frustrating and emotionally taxing form of covert narcissistic abuse, often tailored to the narcissist’s own perception of reality.    

Deflection

People who are vulnerable narcissists usually become defensive, often showing passive-aggressive behavior when confronted about their manipulative behaviors. In order to avoid damage to their often fragile emotional state, they will frequently place blame on others. This can also connect with a covert narcissist’s desire to play the victim in various situations, such as in business or romantic relationships. For example, a covert narcissist may make an error that results in you both losing money. Instead of admitting to their mistake, they might make you feel guilty while using the negative financial effects of the error to elicit sympathy for themselves. 

Avoidance

A covert narcissist will often go to great lengths to defend themselves from information that challenges their sense of self-importance. They will sometimes accomplish this by avoiding being confronted about their behavior. For example, if you talk to your partner about their lack of effort in your relationship, they may use tactics like stonewalling or simply leaving the room. Vulnerable narcissists may also quit certain pursuits or avoid social settings as a strategy to maintain control over how they are perceived. Often, avoidance manifests in a covert narcissist’s isolation from others.  

Self-deprecation

While someone with covert narcissism may experience feelings of insecurity, they may also use this lack of self-esteem to play on the emotions of others. Self-deprecation can be used to elicit validation; for example, a covert narcissist may repeatedly talk about how bad a meal is so that you’ll praise their cooking. This can help build them up while also manipulating your emotions. They might also use self-effacing remarks to get what they want; for example, if you note that a covert narcissist is ignoring your wishes in a relationship, they may respond by talking about what a bad person they are. 

Intimidation

Research suggests that covert narcissists are more likely than overt narcissists to experience narcissistic rage. Narcissistic rage refers to intense anger and hostility in response to situations where a narcissist is challenged, such as when someone is reinforcing or setting boundaries. According to one study, covert narcissistic rage is thought to be the result of “underlying feelings of shame and inferiority”. When an individual with vulnerable narcissism is challenged, they may attempt to control the situation by raising their voice, adopting an aggressive stance, and using other tactics meant to intimidate and inflict self-doubt. 

For example, if your partner is a covert narcissist, and you express disappointment because they have not been contributing to housework, they may attempt to push you down until you take back your criticism. This can be one of the more recognizable signs of covert narcissistic abuse, often affecting the self-worth of the victim.

Therapy to help navigate covert narcissists

Studies show that online therapy may help those who are living with mental health challenges that may have arisen out of covert narcissistic abuse. For example, in a study published in the journal BMC Psychiatry, researchers found that online therapy can effectively reduce trauma symptoms in participants. The study also mentions that online therapy can help reduce depression and anxiety—common comorbid conditions of post-traumatic stress disorder—and improve overall treatment outcomes. 

If you’re experiencing trauma or emotional pain due to covert narcissistic abuse, know that help and support groups are available. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can participate in therapy remotely, which can be helpful if you’re not comfortable discussing traumatic experiences in person. BetterHelp works with thousands of therapists who are trained in a range of specialties, so you’ll have a good chance of matching with someone who can help you learn the right coping skills and process your emotions related to covert narcissistic abuse or similar concerns.