Key Takeaways
- Cerebral narcissists seek validation through their perceived intelligence and often exaggerate their level of education to mask insecurities.
- They prioritize appearing as the smartest in the room and use intellectual differences to compare themselves to others.
- Cerebral narcissists exhibit traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder, such as a lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and grandiosity.
- Dealing with a cerebral narcissist involves avoiding confrontation when possible, establishing healthy boundaries, and not internalizing their criticisms.
What Is a Cerebral Narcissist?
Cerebral, also called Intellectual narcissists, attempt to feed their narcissistic traits using their perceived higher intelligence.
These individuals typically have a formal diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
Their symptoms present as pretentious and intellectually superior to others.
5 signs of a Cerebral Narcissist
When it comes to identifying a cerebral narcissist, there are several signs to watch out for (To get a high-level overview of the 12 traits of a narcissist, I recommend reading my article here):
Sign #1: Egocentrism
Egocentrism is a prominent characteristic displayed by individuals with cerebral narcissism, as they consistently prioritize their own needs, opinions, and achievements above others.
Cerebral narcissists have a grandiose sense of self-importance and often belittle those they perceive as less intelligent.
They believe that their intellect is superior and will use it to demean and devalue others.
They feel the need to dominate conversations and redirect them towards their own intellectual pursuits.
They’ve little interest in listening to others and instead use interactions to showcase their intellect and knowledge and win an argument.
They will show visible disdain toward a person when they are in a conversation by rolling their eyes, groaning dramatically, cutting the other person off, or walking away while they are in mid-sentence.
Sign #2: They weaponize their intelligence against you
Using their intellectual superiority as a weapon, a cerebral narcissist employs their intelligence to manipulate and demean others.
They use their knowledge as a tool to undermine and devalue others, making them feel inferior and inadequate.
They may use language or terminology that they are certain you don’t know.
For example, someone with a pharmacy degree may say the following to someone whom they know does not have a medical or pharmacological background:
“Of course, I KNOW you understand the pharmacokinetic profile of diazepam, right? It’s really basic stuff!”
Cerebral narcissists often have a deep need for validation and constant admiration, particularly for their intellectual abilities and achievements.
Their need for validation drives them to seek admiration for their intellectual abilities constantly, and they’ll go to great lengths to ensure they’re seen as intellectually superior.
The cerebral narcissist’s ability to weaponize their intelligence allows them to maintain power and control over their victims.
Their ability to manipulate and demean others using their intelligence is a key aspect of their toxic behavior.
Sign #3: They prefer to surround themselves with intelligent people
Having established their ability to weaponize their intelligence against others, a cerebral narcissist further reinforces their perceived superiority by surrounding themselves with individuals they perceive as intelligent.
This tactic serves multiple purposes in their quest for validation and control.
Here are four reasons why cerebral narcissists prefer to surround themselves with intelligent people:
- Ego Boost: By associating with intellectually accomplished individuals, the cerebral narcissist enhances their own self-image and feeds their need for admiration and praise.
- Narcissistic Supply: Intelligent individuals are more likely to provide the cerebral narcissist with the intellectual stimulation they crave, as well as the validation of their superior intellect.
- Intellectual Superiority: Surrounding themselves with intelligent people allows cerebral narcissists to feel intellectually superior and reinforces their belief that they’re the smartest person in the room.
- Validation of Opinions: Cerebral narcissists seek validation for their own opinions and ideas, and by surrounding themselves with intelligent individuals, they can easily dismiss and disregard others’ opinions and feelings whom they perceive as less intellectually competent.
Sign #4: They lack empathy
Cerebral narcissists demonstrate a lack of empathy, which is a defining characteristic of their personality.
Their sense of self-importance and superiority to others often leads them to dismiss and disregard the feelings and needs of those around them.
They prioritize their own emotional well-being and satisfaction, seeking a narcissistic supply to feed their sense of entitlement.
This lack of empathy is rooted in their superiority complex and their belief that they’re inherently more intelligent and deserving than others.
As a result, they’re prone to engaging in narcissistic abuse, using their intellectual prowess to manipulate and control others.
Building a healthy relationship with a cerebral narcissist can be challenging, as their lack of empathy and constant need for validation make it difficult for them to prioritize the emotional well-being of their partners or loved ones.
Sign #5: They gaslight because they don’t like being wrong
Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic commonly employed by cerebral narcissists to distort your perception of reality and undermine your confidence.
When you challenge the authenticity of their statement or attempt to push back on their false claims, they will not concede that they are wrong.
They will instead purposely distort the meaning of their original statement and suggest that you misunderstood them.
Oftentimes, this makes people second-guess themselves and doubt their own understanding of the narcissist’s original statement.
Cerebral narcissists are very good at manipulating people this way.
The informative video below from a licensed clinical psychologist nicely describes cerebral narcissists and what you should look out for:
Causes of cerebral narcissism
A combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and neurobiological mechanisms influences the development of cerebral narcissism.
Genetics
Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of cerebral narcissism.
Certain NPD traits have been found to be heritable, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the development of cerebral narcissism.
However, it’s important to note that genetics alone can’t fully explain the development of narcissistic personality types.
Environmental factors
Environmental determinants can also contribute to the development of cerebral narcissism.
Childhood trauma and parenting styles have been identified as potential environmental factors that may contribute to the development of narcissistic personality traits.
Growing up in an environment where intelligence and achievements are valued above all else may reinforce the belief that one’s intellect is superior to others.
Neurobiological factors
Neurobiological mechanisms also play a role in cerebral narcissism.
Research has shown that individuals with narcissistic personality traits exhibit reduced gray matter in brain regions controlling empathy and compassion.
This may contribute to the lack of empathy and sense of entitlement seen in cerebral narcissists.
6 ways to deal with a cerebral narcissist
Here are some tips you can use when dealing with a narcissist:
1. Avoid confrontation
To effectively deal with a cerebral narcissist, it’s important to find ways to avoid direct confrontation.
Engaging in an argument with this type of narcissist who places a high value on their intellectual superiority can be a challenging task.
Prioritize philosophical discussions
Instead of engaging in personal debates, focus on discussing abstract concepts or intellectual topics.
This allows the cerebral narcissist to display their expertise in a particular subject without feeling attacked.
Acknowledge their belief in their own intellectual prowess
Affirm their intelligence and knowledge when appropriate.
This can help diffuse potential confrontations and keep the conversation more civil.
Redirect the conversation
If you sense a confrontation brewing, shift the discussion to a different topic or ask for their opinion on a subject they enjoy.
This helps to divert their attention away from potential conflict.
2. Remember – It’s not you!
Avoid internalizing the criticisms of a cerebral narcissist to maintain your emotional well-being and protect yourself from their manipulative tactics.
As stated in this article, dealing with a cerebral narcissist may be a philosophical struggle, as their egotistical traits are rooted in a sense of intellectual superiority.
It’s crucial not to internalize their criticisms, as they’re often projections of their own insecurities and attempts to maintain their sense of superiority.
Remember that their opinions are subjective and don’t define your worth or intelligence.
Refusing to internalize their criticisms can protect your emotional well-being and maintain a sense of self-worth.
3. Educate yourself
By reading this article, you are taking your first step toward self-empowerment!
By educating yourself about cerebral narcissism, you can gain a deeper understanding of their manipulative tactics and develop strategies to navigate and protect yourself from their behavior effectively – you can help you recognize and validate your experiences.
This knowledge will empower you to establish healthy boundaries and protect yourself from their manipulative tactics.
4. Help yourself by letting your narcissist focus on what they’re good at
When dealing with a cerebral narcissist, it can be beneficial to allow them to focus on their intellectual strengths.
Use their propensity to engage in intellectual one-upmanship to your advantage.
By letting them use their intellectual strengths, you’re providing an outlet for their need for superiority and minimizing potential conflicts.
This can help maintain a level of harmony in your interactions and prevent their intellectual ego from becoming a source of contention.
5. Find others who can validate your experience
Cerebral narcissists tend to overwhelm and exhaust those around them.
When you’re dealing with one, seek out individuals who can validate your experiences.
Connecting with others who understand the dynamics of dealing with narcissists can provide you with the validation and support you need.
The emotional support you gain from empathetic friends and family members can have an incredibly positive effect on you.
Just remember to be mindful of how you share this information, as the last thing you want to have happen is more conflict with your narcissistic person!
6. Set your physical and emotional boundaries
To establish boundaries with a cerebral narcissist, it’s crucial to recognize and assert your own worth and intelligence.
Refuse to engage in intellectual one-upmanship or feel the need to prove yourself.
Instead, focus on setting clear physical and emotional boundaries that protect your well-being and prevent manipulation.
Speak up when you feel that your narcissistic person is beginning to cross your red line.
If they respond to you, show them your appreciation and thank them.
This can help reinforce their positive behavior as you progress in your relationship.
Surround yourself with supportive individuals who understand the dynamics of dealing with a cerebral narcissist and can provide validation and guidance as you navigate this challenging situation.
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What about cognitive or talk therapy?
As you can imagine, narcissists may have difficulty seeking professional help because they lack insight into their own narcissistic proclivities.
Sometimes, they can get help for their narcissism when they enter therapy for other mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression.
However, you can get help, too, if you are struggling in a relationship with a narcissist.
Talk therapy can be very helpful and effective in helping you sort through your complex feelings and address them fully.
You can do it in the comfort of your own home or private space.
One online service I highly recommend is online-therapy.com.
They have trained and licensed mental health professionals at the ready to help you.
You will get a 20% discount your first month for trying them!
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cerebral narcissist uses their perceived intelligence and bloated self-worth to manipulate others.
If you are dealing with one, you may feel overwhelmed, abused, and insecure about yourself.
You can help yourself by setting clear emotional and physical boundaries.
Seeking out support and validation from friends and family members can further help you weather your difficult relationship.
