In Statement Analysis advanced work, we move from detecting deception to content analysis. Once we know if the subject is deceptive and have obtained a great deal of content (what happened), we then are able to move to the psycho-linguistic profile:
The subject or author's background, experiences and his motive or priorities in the statement. What emerges from it all? The dominant personality traits of the subject.
First, the subject does not exist to us. We are only looking at his statement and even exclude external information, such as his record or file may indicate. This is done to keep us from being influenced. Then when we have completed our analysis, we add in this external information to get to know him well.
Narcissism is a word that is thrown around far too much and can lose its meaning. Like "misogamy" and "homophobia", politicians have all but destroyed this meaning in the public sphere.
I give two examples in explanation.
1. Misogyny
Misogyny is not disagreeing with Hillary Clinton.
Misogyny is frightening.
I exchanged a series of letters with a rapist who, when he could not physically rape his victim, he mercilessly beat her, attempting to disfigure her. Even more chilling is that when he saw the inflected physical damage, he became sexually aroused.
Female police officers have consistently reported a "glee" in the eyes of some violent male suspects when they see they are about to become physically engaged with the female police officer. They noted "delight" and deep hatred.
Misogyny produces violence.
It is sometimes seen in the language where the perpetrator assigns blame for his own actions to women in general, as if the rape victim is not his sole target, but his mother, and all women, are targeted. Some will overtly, not even covertly, blame women for society ills. This sounds like a caricature but only to those who have not seen in interviews or arrests.
2. Homophobia
Homophobia is not disagreement of sexual behavior based upon religious or natural views. I have seen some disagree with another, who assigned "homophobia" to the motive of disagreement, rather than the actual political issue. That's not a deep seated fear of homosexuality. It is a disagreement of a topic.
Homophobia is frightening.
I knew a man who had been sexually abused in childhood by men, which led him into a series of predatory vicious attacks on homosexual males as he lured them by "posing" as one seeking sex from strangers. The hatred is both personal (from self) and acute. It is a deep seated fear that can be discerned in the language. Like misogyny, it is chilling and it is dangerous. Yet, like misogyny, the meaning has been altered for the purpose of exploitation.
Self serving politicians and those who follow them, have damaged the meaning of these words.
Narcissism
This is another word thrown about carelessly and anyone who shows self confidence or even self interest can be labeled as such. It too, is used by politicians (or political narrative) to tear each other apart.
In our psycho- linguist profile we do not diagnose in our final reports.
Diagnosing is a sure way of having your reputation damaged on the witness stand by a defense attorney, and, rightfully so. We can note the traits, particularly as the author below has done, and write (and use) our observations in the investigation process without diagnosing.
In our reports, when narcissism is discerned, we use it in a descriptive manner that will aid the investigation and the interview process. In this manner, it is invaluable. We might include, "note the narcissistic like traits here..." or use phrases that will not cause a defense attorney to challenge our qualifications such as,
"here we note the element of an apparent high mindedness. This subject has a very high opinion of his opinion..." or use words such as "selfish" or even "extreme focus upon self..."
It can bring the interviewer/investigator into clear focus of not only what questions to ask, but how and when to pose them. Narcissists in interviews are fascinating and can be provoked into admissions simply because they must justify their action. Why?
Because they did it; and since they did it, it "must" be right, or justified.
Ethical licensed psychologists trained in analysis do not have a need for a diagnosis within the analysis. A solid diagnosis requires further interviewing (collateral) and is separate from the analysis of a statement. Narcissistic like traits is enough to strategize.
Useful Practical Information
Some narcissists recognize themselves but generally only on the surface. Even being diagnosed and the self-disclosure will not alter the personality. This is why we always bring subjects into the free editing process of speaking without interruption.
Some narcissists dedicate their lives to exposing narcissists. They do not consider that their own words (and sometimes photos, camera angles, focus, etc) only heighten this projection.
Children are naturally narcissistic which is why they must be taught human empathy. This is why in both Employment Analysis (screening) and in theft investigations, we seek to discern basic human empathy from the subject, as a protective element against theft in hiring.
The following is an article from Psychology Today by Joe Navarro.
It is practical and a useful guide for the outworking of actual narcissism and coping. The author does not write to impress peers, but to inform. This is an example of talent in instruction.
We offer seminars and in home training. For those trained in Statement Analysis, the logical next step is the profile which is used in identifying anonymous authors and threat level assessments.
For training in deception detection or the general Statement Analysis, please visit Hyatt Analysis Services.
This course is a prerequisite for further training. We offer specialized training for Employment and other areas where unique needs are met. With this in mind, Sex Crimes Units should carefully consider advanced training. It is challenging work, but it serves the needs of justice, particularly for those who understand victimology and the behavioral analysis of adult victims of childhood sexual assault, and how their language too often is declared deceptive when it is not.
Joint Advanced Seminars are also offered with Handwriting Analysis by Steve Johnson, a talented expert in both Statement Analysis and profiling in Handwriting analysis.
How
Narcissists Really Think
Knowing
how the narcissist thinks can help you understand
toxic individuals.
by Joe Navarro
Posted Sep 01, 2017
We often hear the
term “narcissist,” but in reality, what does that mean? Does it merely describe
someone who likes to be the center of attention, or likes the way he or she
looks? Or is there more to it? The psychiatric literature
defines narcissists as possessing specific traits, such as having a sense of
entitlement or requiring excessive admiration. But what are narcissistic individuals
really like on a day-to-day basis?
Anyone who has lived with or worked for a narcissist will tell you:
Narcissists view themselves entirely differently — i.e., preferentially —
compared to others, making those around them less valued. And there’s the rub:
Everything must be about the narcissist. We don’t mind that a 2-year-old needs
constant attention. That’s appropriate for the developmental stage of a
2-year-old. But we do mind when a 40-year–old needs that level of appreciation
— and when achieving it comes at our expense.
Narcissists victimize those around them just by just being who they are,
and they won’t change. That statement may seem extreme, until you listen to the
stories of those who have been victimized by a narcissist. Then you realize
just how toxic relationships with these individuals can be.
Work for a narcissistic boss, and he or she can make you physically or
psychologically ill. Live with one, and it could be worse. In researching my
book, Dangerous Personalities (link is external), I talked to scores of individuals who have been
victimized by the narcissistic personality. Listening to story after story of stolen childhoods,
destructive marriages, and burdensome relationships, I heard the same refrain: Narcissists
see themselves as being so special that no one else matters. No one. Over
time, the behavior resulting from their defining pathological traits will cast
a wide debris field of suffering.
I have learned from the victims lessons that no medical book can teach, and
they are lessons for all of us.
How Narcissists See Themselves
1. I love myself, and I know you do, too. In fact, everyone does.
I can’t imagine anyone who doesn’t.
2. I have no need to apologize. You, however, must understand, accept, and
tolerate me no matter what I do or say.
3. I have few equals in this world, and so far, I have yet to meet one. I
am the best _______ (manager, businessman, lover, student, etc.).
4. Most people don’t measure up. Without me to lead, others would flounder.
5. I appreciate that there are rules and obligations, but those apply
mostly to you, because I don’t have the time or the inclination to abide by
them. Besides, rules are for the average person, and I am far above average.
6. I hope you appreciate all that I am and everything that I have achieved
for you — because I am wonderful and faultless.
7. I do wish we could be equals, but we are not and never will be. I will
remind you with unapologetic frequency that I am the smartest person in the
room and how well I did in school, in business, as a parent, etc. — and you must be grateful.
8. I may seem arrogant and haughty, and that’s OK with me; I just don’t
want to be seen as being like you.
9. I expect you to be loyal to me at all times, no matter what I do.
However, don’t expect me to be loyal to you in any way.
10. I will criticize you, and expect you to accept it, but if you criticize
me, especially in public, I will come at you with rage. One more thing: I will
never forget or forgive, and I will pay you back one way or another — I am a
“wound collector.”
11. I expect you to be interested in what I have achieved and what I
have to say. I, on the other hand, am not at all interested in you or what you
have achieved, so don’t expect much curiosity or interest from me about your
life. I just don’t care.
12. I am not manipulative; I just like to have things done my way, no
matter how much it inconveniences others, or how it makes them feel. I don’t
care how others feel — feelings are for the weak.
13. I expect gratitude at all times, for
even the smallest things I do. As for you, I expect you to do as I ask.
14. I only associate with the best people, and frankly, most of your
friends don’t measure up.
15. If you would just do what I say, things would be better.
As you can imagine, it is not easy living with or working with someone who
thinks or behaves this way. The experience of those who have done so teaches us
the following (and if you remember nothing else from this post, remember this):
Narcissists overvalue themselves and devalue others, and that means you.
You will never be treated as an equal, you will never be respected, and you
will in time be devalued out of necessity, so that they can overvalue
themselves.
Tolerating the Narcissistic Personality
Knowing the traits of the narcissistic personality and how narcissists view
themselves is useful, but so is knowing what can happen when you associate with
them. Some, like children, close relatives, or the elderly, may not have a
choice. In those cases, it is up to friends, relatives, teachers, coaches,
associates, and co-workers to support them as best we can.
And there are those who choose to stick it out, because of finances,
circumstances, or because they are in a complicated relationship or marriage. To them I say, beware: You will pay a price. I say this
from experience and from talking to many victims. Those who choose to live with
or work with a narcissistic personality must be prepared to accept the
following:
1. Accept that you are not equals, because narcissists feel that they have
no equals.
2. Those feelings of insecurity, dismay, disbelief, or incongruity you are
experiencing are real and will continue.
3. Because narcissists overvalue themselves, you will be devalued. Gird
yourself to be repeatedly degraded.
4. You will be talked to and treated in ways you never imagined, and be
expected to tolerate it.
5. The narcissist’s needs, wants, and desires come first — no matter how
inconvenient to you.
6. Be prepared for them to turn on you with indifference at a moment’s
notice, as if any past positive interactions did not matter. You may question
your own sanity as they turn on you, but that has become your reality.
7. When narcissists are nice, they can be very nice; but if you still feel
insecure, that is because it is a performance, not a true sentiment. Niceness
is a tool for social survival — a means to get what they want, like needing a
hammer to hang a picture.
8. You will lap up the narcissist’s kindnesses, because they don’t come
often. But niceness for the narcissist is perfunctory — merely
utilitarian.
9. Be prepared for when the narcissist lashes out not just with anger, but with rage. You will feel attacked, and your sense
of dignity violated.
10. Morality, ethics, and kindness are just words — narcissists
master these for practicality's sake, not for propriety.
11. Narcissists lie without concern for the truth, because lies are useful
for controlling and manipulating others. When you catch them in a lie, they
will say that it is you who is lying or wrong, or that you misunderstood. Prepare to be
attacked and to receive counter-allegations.
12. If it seems that they can only talk about themselves, even at the
oddest of times, it is not your imagination. Narcissists can only talk about
what they value most — themselves. That is their nature.
13. Narcissists will associate with individuals you would not trust to
park your car, because they attract those who see narcissism as something to
value (e.g., the power-hungry, the unscrupulous, profiteers, opportunists, and
social predators).
14. Never expect the narcissist to admit to a mistake or apologize. Blame
is always directed outward, never inward. Narcissists have no concept of
self-awareness or introspection. But they are quick to see faults in others.
15. They expect you to forgive and forget and, above all, never to
challenge them in public. You must remember that they always want to be perfect
in public. Don’t embarrass them or contradict them, or you will pay a price.
16. Get used to losing sleep, feeling anxious, restless, less in control, becoming
increasingly worried, perhaps even developing psychosomatic ailments. Those
insecurities are your subconscious talking to you,
telling you to escape.
17. Lacking both interest and true empathy in and for you, narcissists absolve themselves of that
pesky social burden to care, leaving you deprived, empty, frustrated, or in
pain.
18. They will be unwilling to acknowledge the smallest thing that matters
to you. In doing so, they devalue you, leaving you feeling unfulfilled and
empty.
19. You will learn to deal with their indifference, in one of two ways. You
will work harder to get their attention — with little reward to you, because it
won’t matter to the narcissist — or you will become resigned and empty
psychologically, because narcissists drain you, one indignity at a time.
20. You will be expected to be their cheerleader at all times, even when it
is you who needs encouragement the most.
This is the unvarnished truth about how narcissists see themselves, how
they will behave, and how they can make you feel. I wish it were a better
picture, but survivors of these personalities will tell you that it is that
bad, and that toxic.
As Stuart C. Yudofsky explains in his book Fatal Flaws,
the truly narcissistic personality is “severely flawed of character.”
You might be asking, “What can I do?” Conventional wisdom advises seeing a trained professional for guidance. That
is wise, but not always available. In my experience, the only one solution that
works is to distance yourself from the individual as soon as you recognize them
for what they are, and as soon as it is practical. As your psychic wounds heal,
you will see your life improve and feel your dignity restored. As painful as
distancing yourself may be, it is often the only way to make the hurting stop
and to restore your well-being.
To see the full checklist of the traits of the
narcissistic personality, or of the social predator, please consult Dangerous Personalities (link is external) by Joe Navarro with Toni Sciarra Poynter (Rodale,
2014).