[...] However, Baumeister notes that “narcissists are no more aggressive than anyone else, as long as no one insults or criticizes them” (p. 101).

Bushman and Baumeister (1998) apply a psychodynamic, motivational theory to discriminate between high self-esteem per se and narcissism, separating emotion from cognition. They note that “high self-esteem means thinking well of oneself, whereas narcissism involves passionately wanting to think well of oneself” (p. 228). They consider narcissism to be a subcategory of high self-esteem where the self-image is inflated and stable, albeit reactive to external ego threats. The specific role of cognition is not elaborated in their formulation.

Although self-esteem and narcissism are correlated, the two traits are not the same. Individuals with high self-esteem are not necessarily narcissistic but rather confident of their personal worth. Their esteem is apt to be based on realistic self-appraisals of demonstrated talents, achievements, and relationships viewed in a context of social norms and opportunities. Corrective feedback does not trigger a dramatic loss of self-esteem. For the patient with NPD, self-esteem is established by outward success, and any experience that challenges this success becomes a threat to self-esteem. He or she remains firmly rooted in the importance of a flawless or powerful image, much the same as Narcissus remained rooted to the spot while admiring his reflection. Without a flawless image, core beliefs of inferiority become activated.