It was Wilhelm Reich, initially a member of Freud’s inner circle, who first conceptualized a particular form of narcissism that he called the phallic narcissistic personality type. These individuals are characterized by an excessively inflated self-image, are admiration seeking, self-promoting, and empowered by social success. Because a large identifying factor for this type of narcissist concerns athletic prowess and body image, it is more common to see this type of narcissism manifest in men. The characteristic traits of exhibitionism, bold recklessness, and confident arrogance are, in concert, often quite impressive. These persons also can be very effective in their manipulative behavior. Individuals with this character type are generally looked on as desirable sexual objects because they reveal all the marks of obvious masculinity in their appearance and in their exaggerated hypersexuality. But their sexual prowess is not in the service of love but rather of exhibitionism, aggression, and revenge.

In their everyday life, these are individuals are experienced as completely aggressive by others, and they often achieve leading positions in life where they can dominate those beneath them. If their vanity is offended, they react with cold disdain, ill-humor, or aggressive acts. Their narcissism is expressed in a blatantly self-confident way, with a flagrant display of superiority and dignity.