This is a simplified diagram of the mental structure of the mind of a narcissist. It is a complex system of defences which protect the conscious mind from the buried feelings of shame and rejection. The real wants and needs of the narcissist are also buried there – the person they would have been if they had not undergone trauma. Many narcissists have had a parent with NPD, but they made the decision to ally with the NPD parent. Others make the decision to become the opposite to the NPD parent and then go on to become co-dependent, chronic people pleasers, develop a personality disorder such as schizoid PD, a panic disorder or other (there are many variations of responses to narcissistic abuse).

Please see Structural Dissociation for a more in-depth look.