When someone does good deeds for others solely for the purpose of receiving recognition or praise, it is often referred to as "virtue signaling." Virtue signaling is when a person publicly expresses their support for a particular cause or engages in a charitable act primarily to gain social approval, enhance their image, or be seen as morally superior without necessarily having a genuine commitment to the cause or a deep understanding of the issues involved.
While virtue signaling is not a clinical term and is often used in a social context, it can be related to certain aspects of narcissism. Seeking recognition or admiration for doing good deeds can be a manifestation of narcissistic behavior. In this context, the person's motivation for performing the good deed is self-centered, focusing more on how they will be perceived by others rather than genuinely helping or making a difference.
However, it's important to differentiate between virtue signaling and true altruism. Altruism involves selfless concern and care for others' well-being without the need for recognition or external validation. While some people may engage in virtue signaling due to their narcissistic tendencies, not all instances of seeking recognition for good deeds necessarily indicate narcissism. Human behavior is complex, and motivations can vary depending on the individual and the specific situation.
If someone consistently engages in virtue signaling or displays other behaviors associated with narcissism, such as a lack of empathy, a sense of entitlement, and an obsession with receiving praise, admiration, or attention, it may be indicative of narcissistic traits. In such cases, it could be helpful for the individual to seek professional evaluation from a mental health professional to better understand their behaviors and motivations.