Dzaki Ammar Mahasiswa UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta.
The
concepts of arrogance, self-esteem, self-confidence, and narcissistic
personality disorder (NPD) are often considered to be similar. Nevertheless,
these four terms are distinguished by significant differences in their
underlying psychological concepts. Such confusion can result in erroneous
self-treatment or interpersonal assessment. For example, self-confidence is
often erroneously equated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), while
arrogance is frequently mistaken for self-esteem. A lack of detailed
understanding can have a significant impact on how individuals make judgments,
conduct self-diagnosis, and navigate social relationships. The objective of this
essay is to provide a comprehensive explanation of these four concepts within
the context of psychological perspectives, encompassing definitions,
manifestations in daily life, and comparisons.
Firstly,
arrogance or in Arabic "takkabur" is defined as an attitude of
self-aggrandizement accompanied by a demeaning and belittling attitude towards
others. This enables individuals to view themselves as the epitome of
perfection and nobility. This condition can be interpreted as excessive
self-esteem. Consequently, this trait is regarded as a reprehensible action
that ought to be eschewed. As a result, social relationships are damaged
because it creates tension and distance with people around. However, this
behavior often appears as a form of self-defense from discomfort. There are
several factors that influence the above situation, including high knowledge,
abundance of wealth, strong position, lineage, facial appearance, or power.
Thus, pride is considered an unrealistic sense of superiority (Priebe & Van
Tongeren, 2023).
Secondly,
self-esteem can be defined as a person's overall perspective on their own
qualities and characteristics. Moreover, this concept enables the formation of
comparisons between oneself and others, or social comparison through a process
of evaluation. Those with robust self-esteem are inclined to encourage
achievement, motivation, and relationships. Conversely, individuals with low
self-esteem tend to experience feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. The
factors that influence this condition include self-confidence, expertise,
feedback, identity, success, physical appearance, sense of belonging, and
competence. Additionally, the principle comprises two main components:
self-worth and self-efficacy. (Muris & Otgaar, 2023).
Thirdly,
self-confidence represents a form of self-actualization, whereby an
individual's abilities are manifested in accordance with their wishes. This can
be interpreted as an individual's fundamental conviction in their capacity to
accomplish any task, including problem-solving and overcoming adversity.
Consequently, individuals are able to exude a positive demeanor that fosters
self-love and enthusiasm for contributing to their surrounding environment.
Factors such as positive parenting, expertise development, and physical
appearance play a significant role in fostering these conditions (Markus et
al., 2011).
Narcissistic
personality disorder (NPD) is a condition characterized by a pervasive sense of
self-importance and a need for excessive admiration and attention. Consequently,
they will endeavor to garner attention from others in order to establish
themselves as the focal point of attention. It is not uncommon for this
behavior to cause distress or discomfort to bystanders. Therefore, an
individual with this mental disorder experiences satisfaction when they observe
others responding with admiration or validation. Nevertheless, the ostensible
superiority is a facade that conceals a vulnerable and fragile personality,
susceptible to the undermining effects of criticism, sarcasm, and suggestions.
The primary characteristics of narcissism are a lack of empathy,
self-centeredness, and envy (Di Giacomo et al., 2023).
From
a psychological standpoint, the context of arrogance, self-esteem,
self-confidence, and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is associated with
self-image. These four concepts can be interpreted as an individual's
self-assessment of their own personality. It is a means of describing an
individual's mental state or character, encompassing both strengths and weaknesses.
Furthermore, the aforementioned situation offers insight into the formation of
personal identity, shaped by the individual's journey and life experiences up
to the present moment. Therefore, all forms of behavior, words, and thoughts
indirectly affect other people's subjective experiences, as each individual
interacts with their environment. For example, arrogance and self-esteem can
manifest in different forms, including self-confidence or NPD. Related
explanations demonstrate fundamental similarities to relationships, whether
interpersonal or social in nature. (Ryding & Kuss, 2020).
It
is irrefutable that the four subjects under consideration also exhibit
fundamental similarities with regard to emotionality. All of these concepts
pertain to how individuals feel about themselves. For example, health
self-esteem can engender positive sentiments such as satisfaction or gratitude.
Self-confidence is also capable of enhancing a sense of inner security.
Meanwhile, arrogance and NPD are a form of self-defense in response to an
event. However, everything related to the discussion above has the potential
for adverse outcomes when not controlled (Tamir et al., 2023).
Arrogance
and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) represent a distortion of the
typical healthy self-concept. Arrogance is defined as a situational superiority
attitude that is not reinforced by real abilities and which serves to mask
inferiority complexes, thereby resulting in a self-centered attitude.
Meanwhile, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental illness
characterized by an excessive need for external validation and attention. Such
circumstances often result in a lack of empathy for others. This condition is
classified as chronic and necessitates clinical intervention by qualified
professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists. The aforementioned
concepts have the potential to exert a detrimental influence on an individual's
conduct and emotional disposition in relation to their immediate surroundings.
This may manifest in various ways, including a lack of empathy, emotional
volatility, and a proclivity for antisocial behaviour (Widiger & Costa,
1994).
Conversely,
self-esteem and self-confidence are beneficial aspects of self-development. The
term "self-esteem" is used to describe an individual's overall
perception of their own worth, based on a comprehensive understanding of their
inherent value as a person, encompassing both their strengths and weaknesses.
Meanwhile, self-confidence is defined as confidence in one's ability to
perform, confront, or complete a task or task-related situation in a competent
manner. Both self-esteem and self-confidence can facilitate optimal functioning
in daily activities without negatively impacting others. An individual with
this personality tends to demonstrate empathy, responsibility, and compassion
for others, providing a sense of stability and resolution in the face of
challenges. These four concepts can be studied scientifically using several
psychological approaches to determine the differences in their characteristics
(London et al., 2023).
The
concepts of self-esteem and self-confidence are of significant importance
within the field of positive psychology, as they play a pivotal role in
promoting individual well-being. Self-esteem can be defined as an individual's
positive or negative evaluation of their own personal potential. Meanwhile,
self-confidence is defined as the belief in one's ability to complete a
particular task or face a challenge. The two concepts are complementary, and
together they help an individual overcome life's challenges, reach their full
potential, and build healthy relationships. Individuals who possess these
concepts tend to have a positive self-image and are better able to make
decisions. This behavior has the potential to promote positive emotional and
mental growth on an ongoing basis (Jung, 2023).
Furthermore,
self-esteem and self-confidence are of paramount importance in the context of
humanistic psychology. This is evidenced by the support of self-actualization,
which has been explained in Abraham Maslow's theory of needs. Both are a form
of appreciation and belief in each person's potential. Furthermore, according
to Carl Rogers, "unconditional positive regard" acts as a builder of
these aspects, enabling individuals to accept themselves authentically and
develop their abilities without certain conditions from the environment
(Schoofs et al., 2024).
Moreover,
the DSM-5 defines Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) in the context of
clinical psychology as a personality disorder characterized by an excessive
need for recognition, a sense of grandiosity, and a lack of empathy. NPD is a
chronic condition that is associated with dysfunction of the brain structure in
the insular cortex, which impairs an individual's capacity to regulate their
emotions. Such characteristics may be reinforced by a competitive environment
and permissive parenting. Meanwhile, arrogance can be defined as an attitude of
superiority that arises due to an imbalance in the activity of the
neurotransmitter, prefrontal cortex, and limbic system. Consequently, a
defensive stance is adopted in response to external pressure. (Loeffler et al., 2020).
Psychoanalytic
approach can also be used to understand the concepts of arrogance and narcissistic
personality disorder (NPD). In his 1923 theory of "ego defense
mechanisms," Freud posited that both concepts represent forms of
self-defense, serving to protect the ego from psychological threats or feelings
of inferiority. Conversely, arrogance emerges as a compensatory response when
internal circumstances are perceived as hazardous. Meanwhile, NPD is a state of
a person with an extreme need for validation that results in negative
behavioral outcomes. The primary objective of the aforementioned scenario is to
preserve one's image and self-concept. However, in individuals diagnosed with
NPD, this mechanism becomes pathological, impeding their capacity to interact
or function in a typical manner. The aforementioned four concepts have been
shown to be effective in dealing with a wide range of situations (Giulio,
2023).
The
process of overcoming arrogance necessitates a profound introspective
examination to ascertain the causal impact of one's actions on the social
fabric. The situation can be managed by fostering a positive ambience among all
parties involved, thereby creating a conducive environment for interpersonal
interactions. Accordingly, a humble attitude can serve as a reference point for
self-recognition and appreciation of others' contributions. In this context,
mindfulness plays a pivotal role in regulating the processing of thoughts,
emotions, and egocentric impulses that arise in response. When practiced
consistently, it can foster a more authentic mental state (Wulandari et al.,
2023).
The
treatment of low self-esteem is a process that can be facilitated through the
use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It has been demonstrated to be an
effective method for identifying and modifying negative thought patterns,
facilitating a shift towards a more positive perspective. Self-reflection is
also an effective means of recognizing achievements and understanding one's
personal value. Furthermore, the influence of family and friendship dynamics on
the development of trust and credibility is significant. This approach
encourages individuals to recognize and appreciate their potential
(Shufutinsky, 2020).
The
development of self-confidence can be initiated by recognizing one's own
identity, which facilitates the identification of necessary personal attributes.
This process does not necessitate the disregard of areas that require
improvement. The primary objective of this condition is the actualization and
advancement of individual capabilities, leading to a sense of fulfillment. The
practice of not comparing oneself with others exerts a beneficial impact on
one's sense of self, preventing feelings of insecurity and facilitating the
realization of one's potential (Yu et al., 2021).
The
long-term treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) encompasses
psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These approaches
facilitate an individual's ability to assess their mindset, sense of
grandiosity, and empathy, thereby enhancing their capacity to interact both
personally and socially. When individuals receive consistent environmental
support, they gain a sense of security that enables them to establish
interpersonal relationships without seeking validation from others (Smith &
Hewitt, 2024).
In
order to overcome the aforementioned four conditions, it is essential to engage
in introspective reflection through the lens of equanimity, with a view to
assessing one's own actions and those of others. The development of empathy,
respect, a sense of responsibility, and a focus on personal potential are also
key elements in the formation of an authentic personality. The establishment of
realistic objectives provides a foundation for personal comfort when engaging
in activities and interacting with the surrounding environment. Consequently,
this phase enables the reflection of how individuals project their self-image
when establishing personal or social relationships (Unnsteinsson, 2023).
It
is the intention of this essay to prompt readers to consider the most
appropriate means of valuing themselves, free from the influence of external
factors. Humility can be an advantageous quality in the formation of meaningful
social relationships. Furthermore, the appreciation of all forms of difference
can contribute to the development of a more salutary and harmonious quality of
life. Therefore, this step encourages each individual to succeed personally and
to have a positive impact on others.
In
conclusion, while arrogance, self-esteem, self-confidence, and narcissistic
personality disorder (NPD) are distinct psychological conditions, they exhibit
similarities with respect to self-image and concept. Arrogance is a
manifestation of selfishness or an exaggerated sense of superiority. In
contrast, self-esteem can be defined as an individual's capacity to evaluate
their own overall worth. Self-confidence can be defined as an individual's
belief in their own abilities. Meanwhile, narcissistic personality disorder
(NPD) refers to a personality disorder with narcissistic traits or an excessive
need for attention. In such cases, clinical intervention from experts,
including psychologists and psychiatrists, may be necessary. Various
approaches, such as positivist, humanistic, clinical, or psychoanalytic, can
assist in developing an authentic personality, fostering mental stability, and
enhancing interpersonal relationships. Consequently, these approaches can
bolster individuals' psyches, enabling them to confront life's challenges in a
constructive and resilient manner.
