Narcissistic projection is a psychological defense mechanism that allows a narcissistic individual to avoid acknowledging their flaws and to protect their grandiose self by projecting their shortcomings onto others.
What is Projection?
Projection is a defense mechanism that involves attributing one’s own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or characteristics to another person.
Narcissists, in particular, will project their own negative qualities, insecurities, or shortcomings onto someone else to protect their fragile self-esteem and maintain their grandiose sense of self.
Projection often occurs on a subconscious level, meaning that individuals might not be fully aware what they are doing. In fact, people engaging in projection may genuinely believe that the feelings they are attributing to others are actually originating from those individuals.
Just as a projector projects an image onto a surface, individuals projecting their emotions or traits onto others are, in a sense, projecting their inner experiences onto the external world.
There are two types of projection: complementary and attributive projection.
Complementary projection involves attributing qualities or characteristics to others that are seen as complementary or idealized versions of the self. Individuals may project positive traits or qualities onto others because they admire those qualities or wish they possessed them themselves.
Attributive projection, on the other hand, involves projecting one’s own undesirable or negative traits, feelings, or impulses onto others. This is the more commonly discussed form of projection, and the type of projection we are referring to when we discuss narcissistic projection.
What are Psychological Defense Mechanisms?
Psychological defense mechanisms are unconscious strategies that individuals use to protect their self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and manage difficult emotions, thoughts, or situations.
Psychological defense mechanisms can be adaptive or maladaptive. When we face a stressor, it can be beneficial to use adaptive defenses to navigate our emotions in a healthier and more constructive way.
Some examples of adaptive defense mechanisms include humor, sublimation (redirecting strong emotions or impulses into productive outlets, such as creative activities or community involvement), altruism, self-care, or mindfulness.
Maladaptive defense mechanisms, on the other hand, can distort reality, hinder personal growth, and strain relationships. Some examples of maladaptive defense mechanisms include denial, projection, splitting, or displacement.
At its core, narcissism can also be considered a defense mechanism. Narcissism can function as a defense mechanism to protect one’s fragile self-esteem, avoid vulnerability, control others, and cover-up any feelings of inadequacy.
What is Narcissistic Projection?
Projection and narcissistic projection are related concepts, but the latter refers to a type of projection that is characteristic of narcissistic individuals, specifically.
Narcissists who have an inflated sense of self-importance and often struggle with empathy will frequently use projection to maintain their self-image by projecting their own negative traits, insecurities, and vulnerabilities onto others.
Both projection and narcissistic projection involve attributing one’s own thoughts, feelings, or traits to others; however, when narcissistic projection is combined with the grandiosity, superiority, entitlement, hostility, and a lack of empathy often characteristic of narcissistic individuals, this defense mechanism leads to problematic and potentially dangerous outcomes.
How Do Narcissists Use Projection?
Projection is a common defense mechanism that many people use to cope with challenging emotions, traits, beliefs, and situations. Many individuals, not just narcissists, engage in projection as a means of self-preservation and emotional regulation.
However, when individuals with narcissistic traits use projection as a dominant and maladaptive pattern of behavior, it can become problematic.
Projection serves several purposes for narcissists, including:
Avoiding Responsibilities and Imperfections
Instead of acknowledging their shortcomings, narcissists project them onto others. This allows them to avoid taking responsibility for their actions and behaviors and to maintain the illusion of being faultless.
Narcissists often see themselves as superior and flawless. Projection helps them reinforce this self-image by attributing negative qualities onto others to make themselves seem perfect in comparison.
For example, if a narcissist is being dishonest, they might accuse others of lying, instead. If a narcissist is envious of someone’s success, they may accuse that person of being jealous of them.
Or, if a narcissist is controlling, they might accuse others of being controlling to deflect attention from their own controlling tendencies.
Shifting Blame
When confronted about their actions, behaviors, or mistakes, narcissists often shift blame onto others. This allows them to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, control how they are perceived by others, and maintain power and control in relationships.
When narcissists engage in blame-shifting, they are projecting their own negative qualities, mistakes, or behaviors onto others as a way to avoid acknowledging their own shortcomings.
Their grandiose protective shell does not allow them to see themselves as anything less than perfect.
Eroding Others’ Self-Esteem
By projecting their own insecurities onto others, narcissists can manipulate and control these individuals emotionally. They may use criticism, blame, and accusations to diminish the confidence of those around them, thus making them more susceptible to manipulation.
They might also distort reality by projecting their own beliefs or perceptions onto others to confuse and create self-doubt in their targets.
What You Can Do About Projection
Dealing with being the victim of projection can be emotionally challenging, but there are several steps you can take to navigate the situation and protect your well-being. Here is some advice:
Remember, It Is Not About You
Projection is a defense mechanism that protects a narcissist’s ego from shame and anxiety.
Much of what a narcissist projects onto you is a reflection of how they feel about themselves. Understand that the accusations may not accurately reflect your actions or character. In fact, their words and actions can often be used as a way to understand them better.
Practice Self-Awareness
Take time to reflect on the situation. If someone accuses you of having certain feelings or behaving in a certain way, consider whether there might be any truth in the accusations, even if they’re being projected onto you.
But, be sure to maintain your self-esteem and confidence. Remind yourself of your true qualities and strengths. Consider talking with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist as they can provide validation, insights, and emotional support.
Maintain Boundaries
Set clear boundaries with the person projecting onto you. Let them know what behavior you find unacceptable while maintaining your composure and emotional balance.
Narcissists thrive on confrontation, so reacting emotionally will only serve to escalate the situation.
Also, understand that not every instance of projection needs to be addressed. Some situations might be worth letting go of as the best way to deal with a narcissist is often to not engage.
If you choose to address the situation, use calm and assertive communication and express your feelings without becoming defensive.
Sources
Holmes, D.S. (1978) Projection as a Defense Mechanism. Psychological Bulletin, 85 (4), 677-688.
Kampe, L., Bohn, J., Remmers, C. & Hörz-Sagstetter, S. (2021). It’s Not That Great Anymore: The Central Role of Defense Mechanisms in Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12.
Thobaben, M. (2005). Defense Mechanisms and Defense Levels. Home Health Care Management and Practice, 17 (4), 3.
