Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. It can cause significant distress to both the person with narcissism and those around them.
Whether narcissists want to change or not can vary from individual to individual. In some cases, people with narcissistic traits may be unaware of the impact their behavior has on others or may not recognize the need for change. They may believe that their behavior is justified and that others are the problem. This lack of insight can make it challenging for them to acknowledge or address their narcissistic traits.
On the other hand, some individuals with narcissistic traits may experience distress or negative consequences in their personal or professional lives because of their behavior. In such cases, they might be more open to the idea of change, particularly if they seek help from a mental health professional or counselor.
It's important to note that narcissistic personality disorder is a complex and challenging condition to treat. Many mental health experts believe that true change in individuals with narcissistic personality disorder is difficult to achieve, especially if they are not motivated to change and lack insight into their behaviors.
Even if a person with narcissistic traits wants to change, it usually requires long-term therapy with a mental health professional who specializes in personality disorders. Therapists might use approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to work on addressing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.
Ultimately, whether a narcissist wants to change and the extent to which they can change varies significantly from person to person. It's essential to remember that changing deeply ingrained personality traits is a challenging and lengthy process, and not all individuals with narcissistic traits will be able to achieve meaningful change.