Which interpersonal pattern is typical of Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

• A. Exploit others due to lack of empathy
• B. Deep empathy and concern for others
• C. Avoids social interactions
• D. Seeks constant reassurance from others

Answer: (A)

Interpersonal patterns in Narcissistic Personality Disorder are marked by exploiting others due to a lack of empathy. People with this disorder often view others as extensions of themselves or as tools to serve their own needs, rather than as individuals with their own feelings. This leads them to manipulate or use people to maintain admiration, status, or control, because they don’t truly share in others’ emotions or concerns. That’s why the description of exploiting others because of a lack of empathy best fits the typical pattern.

Deep empathy and concern for others contradicts the core tendency of narcissism. Avoiding social interactions fits more with avoidant patterns, and seeking constant reassurance aligns more with dependent or anxious features rather than the exploitative, empathy-deficient style seen in narcissistic pathology.