Who does narcissism affect?

Answer 1

Narcissism (loving yourself to an extreme degree) in general is associated with a positive body image. Some narcissists love to look at themselves in the mirror, and admire their phycial traits. Even when the narcissism is centered on non-phsical characteristics, narcissism isn't something that you would usually associate with poor body image. Poor body image is usually associated with people who don't like themselves, or some aspect of themselves.

Answer 2

As with any system, one family member who has a personality disorder like Narcissism impacts the entire group. Common traits of a NPD include pathological lying, bullying and domineering behaviors; constant blaming of others and rageful accusations. Some of the consequences of being emotionally dependent on an NPD--a child, an employee, spouse or even pets-- include living in constant fear, physical and mental stress which often lead to illness, feeling intimidated, covering up their lies to protect them, making excuses for their behavior, and blaming oneself for the NPD's behavior and feelings. It is common for children and spouses of narcissists to learn self-defeating or codependent behaviors in order to survive, psychically or even physically in the case of a profound destructive narcissist.

Many children or spouses of narcissists cope by becoming 'invisible' or believing themselves to be crazy because it is just too painful to believe the narcissist is incapable of real love or self reflection.

Kim Cooper's e-book Back From the Looking Glass discusses NPD, offering some innovative concepts about understanding the source of this personality disorder as well as some useful tools for dealing with it.