People who fall prey to Acquired Situational Narcissism (ASN) are usually highly narcissistic to begin with. Their narcissism is part of why they aspire to seek status and wealth.

However, obtaining their goals of fame and power can cause their high level of narcissism to develop into full blown Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

How does Adult Situational Narcissism (ASN) differ from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?

Some of the ways that ASN differs from NPD are:

• ASN develops during an individual’s late teens or adulthood.
• With ASN, the individual’s power is real and measurable, not a figment of grandiose fantasies.
• ASN is a response by the individual to the enabling attitudes of their hangers on.

What are some of the risks of Adult Situations Narcissism?

An individual who develops ASN becomes maladaptive and their relationship with reality becomes distorted. One of the ways this manifests are:

• A failure to maintain healthy relationships resulting in divorce(s)
• Troubled relationships with their children
• Substance dependency to cope with anxiety and depression, and
• Criminal behavior and problems with the law.

How do you avoid developing Adult Situations Narcissism?

• A Strong Character - Work on developing a strong character (personal and moral qualities) prior to seeking fame, money and success. Character acts as a compass.
• A Strong Support Group - Be selective about the people you allow in your support group. Do they have character? Are they truthful or are they flatters? Choose mentally stable people with solid values to be in your support system. Choose wisely.
• Develop a Healthy Attitude to Power - Understand the purpose of power and develop a healthy mental attitude to how it can be used constructively in keeping with your character and values.