Top Research Papers on Narcissism

Communal narcissism had a notably strong relationship with wanting validation on all platforms and the results suggest that communal narcissism might be especially relevant in the context of social media use.

The scientific study of narcissism has accelerated in recent years. However, this literature has primarily been cross-sectional and descriptive in nature, making it difficult to integrate with theories of narcissism, which instead emphasize various dynamics. Theoretical work construes narcissism as a complex dynamical system with processes that interact to contribute to narcissism expression and maintenance. We begin by reviewing theoretical accounts of narcissism and what they suggest about dynamic processes. We then review research that examines processes associated with narcissism in natura...

Narcissism as a psychological construct has had a contentious past both in its conceptualization and measurement. There is an emerging consensus that narcissism consists of grandiose and vulnerable subtypes, which share a common core. In the present research (N = 1002), we constructed a new measure of unified narcissism that reflects these contemporary understandings using items from the most widely used measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism: the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI; Raskin & Terry, 1988, https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.54.5.890), and the Pathological Narcissism...

Amid historically low societal trust in science, four cross‐sectional studies (N = 3856) reveal a link between generic science denial and national narcissism. The findings support the pre‐registered hypotheses that (1) national narcissism (a desire for national recognition) and ingroup satisfaction (pride in national value) have opposite unique associations with science denial (rejection of scientific consensus and generalized suspicion toward scientific experts) and (2) opposite indirect associations with specific outcomes of science denial during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond (climate cha...

In this book, a psychologist and a professor detail the history, psychology, and effects of this little-studied condition that has altered individuals and societies worldwide, arguing that the disorder deserves its own classification. Psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in 1964 developed the term “malignant narcissism,” believing it to be the worst form of psychopathology, a disorder that essentially epitomized evil. Malignant narcissism, however, has never been identified as a clinical condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; instead, it is seen as a conglomeration of se...

Several theories propose that narcissism is rooted in affective contingencies. Given narcissists' focus on power, these contingencies should be strong in the power domain but not in the affiliation domain. We systematically investigated narcissists' contingencies and explored whether these contingencies might link narcissism to social behavior. In a multimethod longitudinal study, we assessed unidimensional narcissism levels as well as two main narcissistic strategies: Admiration and rivalry. We measured 209 participants' affective contingencies (i.e., affective responses to satisfying and fru...

The construct of communal collective Narcissism is conceptually and empirically distinct from classic (i.e., agentic) collective narcissism and predicts intergroup outcomes in the agentic domain better than communal collective narcissists does.

This is the first large-scale, systematic, and multimethod investigation linking grandiose narcissism and prosociality, and it finds that agentic and communal narcissists evinced substantial levels of Prosociality self-enhancement, whereas their non-narcissistic counterparts did not enhance their prossociality at all.

Although narcissism predicted both higher self‐promotion toward the supervisor and greater sense of power, it was the latter that explained the positive relation between employee narcissism and promotability ratings.

The study of narcissism has been hindered by conceptual, theoretical, and measurement in-consistencies. In this article, we report two studies that tested a novel unified conceptualization and theoretical approach to narcissism using the Unified Narcissism Scale–Revised. Study 1 revised the recently developed Unified Narcissism Scale to construct a preliminary 40-item measure in a sample of 395 American participants (Mage = 41). We confirmed the five-factor first-order model, the two-factor second-order model, and the one-factor third-order model. Study 2 considered the cross-cultural performa...

Narcissistic personality disorder is a heterogeneous and complex pathology which manifests itself very differently in individuals. The aim of the present study was to analyze differences and similarities in morality and sensitivity to feelings of guilt among grandiose narcissism (GN), vulnerable narcissism (VN), and malignant self-regard (MSR). We expected that MSR and VN would be most sensitive to deontological and altruistic guilt, and that MSR and VN would have higher levels of moral standards than GN. A nonclinical sample of 752 participants was evaluated. Results showed a significant asso...

Recent work suggests that collective narcissism—an exaggerated, unrealistic belief in an in-group’s greatness that demands constant external validation—is a strong predictor of a variety of political attitudes. In the present study, we use nationally-representative panel data from Poland to examine the relationship between collective narcissism and nationalism. We first demonstrate that collective narcissism, nationalism and mere satisfaction with national ingroup are distinct. In turn, in both cross-sectional and panel analyses, we find that (1) that collective narcissism is positively relate...

This English translation of Narcissisme de Vie Narcissisme de Mort covers Green's attempt to link the theory of narcissism to Freud's final theory of the drives. While narcissism is generally only considered in terms of its positive aspects in which it is linked to the life drives, Green shows that it is necessary to postulate the existence of a death-giving narcissism, which he calls negative narcissism.

Extant strategic leadership literature has established the substantial and nuanced implications of narcissism in chief executive officers (CEOs) for firm outcomes, and psychological research on narcissism in groups highlights the importance of narcissism for interpersonal dynamics. However, there is little research on strategic leaders’ narcissism and the CEO–top management team (TMT) interface, especially related to its configuration by way of TMT composition. In this article, we therefore study two issues. First, we examine how CEO narcissism directly affects two aspects of TMT composition—t...

OBJECTIVE Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms, which include obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on the suitability of the relationship and/or partner, have been receiving increasing clinical, theoretical, and empirical attention. This clinical variant of OCD is associated with significant functional, personal, and dyadic consequences. ROCD symptoms have also been linked to several cognitive vulnerability factors, such as maladaptive relationship catastrophization. However, little is known about the connection between ROCD symptoms and spec...

* SUNY Upstate Medical University piesr@upstate.edu The author reports no conflict of interest. P rofessor Fatic’s timely and wide-ranging essay demonstrates how the topic of narcissism has undergone a resurgence of interest in recent decades. This may owe, in part, to the controversial claim that narcissism is on the rise in the United States, at least among American college students (Twenge & Foster, 2010). As I discuss presently, the term “narcissism” is open to many interpretations, and differs somewhat from the specific designation, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), as defined in t...

Abstract Despite the fact that it has long been recognised that narcissism can contribute to depression, we have become accustomed to referring to depression mostly in terms of a neurotic disturbance. The author highlights the difference between the narcissistic elements in depression, which is based on guilt, and the graver narcissistic depression, which is governed by shame. He attempts to define the elements that constitute ‘narcissistic depression’ where primal psychic mechanisms rule, and stresses the importance of recognising this form of depression if it is to be dealt with appropriatel...

Human is born with the narcissism,and throughout the life of people.Nowadays,the Narcissism is omnipresent.Since the ancient times,narcissism is one of the eternal motifs in literary creation,advertising creation as a literary text,consciously or unconsciously in early use the psychological characteristics,in order to achieve the goal that struck a chord with consumers and ultimately contribute to buy.Ads inherent commercial properties determine the display of narcissism and literary creation in the characterization of narcissism distinct difference.But in any case,the advertisement of narciss...

Despite the fact that it has long been recognised that narcissism can contribute to depression, we have become accustomed to referring to depression mostly in terms of a neurotic disturbance. The author highlights the difference between the narcissistic elements in depression, which is based on guilt, and the graver narcissistic depression, which is governed by shame. He attempts to define the elements that constitute ‘narcissistic depression’ where primal psychic mechanisms rule, and stresses the importance of recognising this form of depression if it is to be dealt with appropriately. The au...

Abstract. Prior research has revealed relevant associations between narcissism and leadership, but most studies have focused on narcissism as a personality trait and its grandiose dimension. However, other forms of narcissism (e.g., vulnerable, pathological, and communal narcissism) might also be relevant for leadership but have mainly been neglected in leadership research. Therefore, in this research spotlight, I investigate the link between alternative forms of narcissism and leadership criteria such as leader emergence and leader effectiveness. Along with theoretical considerations, I will ...

What is the effect of trait narcissism on creative performance? Although both constructs share an emphasis on uniqueness and novelty, prior investigations of the narcissism–creative performance relationship have produced inconsistent findings and failed to provide conclusive answers to this question. One possible reason for the seemingly contradictory evidence is that extant research has examined the influences of leader and follower narcissism separately rather than simultaneously. In this study, we address this issue by investigating leader–follower narcissism (in)congruence to comprehensive...

Youth with greater levels of narcissism face a wide array of difficulties in interactions with others. However, there exists a curious lack of research on their close relationships, such as friendships. In this study, we examined associations between narcissism and friendship features over time. Participants were 261 eighth and ninth graders (112 boys; Mage at Time1 = 14.34, SD = .68; 95.4% born in Finland) who completed measures of narcissism at Time 1 (fall of the school year), and friendship nominations as well as three different characteristics of friendship (positive friendship quality, c...

The use of social networking sites and especially Instagram use has grown rapidly. Saying this, anew breed of narcissism is practiced/seen in social media influencers. The new features introduced by Instagram has only facilitated Narcissism. The present study focuses on how the social media influencer affects its users and promotes traits of Narcissism and how various Instagram features like reels, story, filters have become an everyday aspect of the users.

Abstract Twenty-nine newly recovering alcoholic outpatients drawn from a Minnesota-Model type treatment program in the United Kingdom completed the NPI narcissism scale and the “Steps Questionnaire.” Results showed the narcissistic “authority” subscale showed a very strong inverse relationship to level of personal acceptance of Steps 2 and 3 (the so called “God” steps) of the 12-Step program embodied by Alcoholics Anonymous. Also, the narcissistic “superiority” subscale showed a significant inverse association with acceptance of Step 3. The present results suggest that, relative to their more ...

After hiaxwell Gitelson introduced the panel, Ludwig Eidelberg presented a paper “On Narcissistic hlortification.” H e defined normal narcissistic mortification as the emotional esperience of an individual who is suddenly overcome by internal or external aggression. Under normal conditions the individual learns to surrender his infantile omnipotence and to face the more or less frightening limitations of his powers. Under traumatic conditions the narcissistic mortification is repressed, which prevents the individual from disillusioning himself of his omnipotence. Another narcissistic mortifica...

Ever since the discovery of the individual, Western intellectuals have been perturbed by a set of binaries: the individual and society, private and public, self and other. The distinction between inner and outer already signifies the roots of estrangement, the reconciliatin of which becomes a Utopian hope to which civilization periodically dedicates itself, but increasingly regards as unreachable. It was the realization that the individual and society were epistemologically opposed that, at first, gave rise to the imputed division of social life into the public and private. In this reprise, th...

Objective This study aimed to test the mediation effect of narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, and self-compassion in the relationship between attachment dimensions and psychopathology. Methods The sample included 203 students, of whom 134 (66%) were women and 69 (34%) men with ages between 18 and 36 years [(mean: 20.73 (SD = 2.86)]. In this study, inventory of experiences in close relationships, Beck depression scale, Beck anxiety scale, narcissistic personality inventory, vulnerable narcissism scale, and self-compassion scale were used. Results Anxious attachment was positively correlated wit...

ABSTRACT Narcissism (NARC) in senior executives has a perceptible impact on corporate decision-making and strategies and is often associated with unethical and opportunistic behaviors, including tax avoidance (TA). In this study, we therefore evaluated the association between chief executive officer (CEO) NARC and TA in Brazilian public firms. By focusing on Brazil, an emerging economy regulated by code law, our investigation makes an important contribution to the accounting literature on TA. Most studies examining the relation between corporate TA and CEO personality profile have been conduct...

Selfie, a commonly observed behaviour, is symbol of virtual identity. Similarly, narcissism as described by grandiose view of oneself, seeking approval and admiration on social media is also frequent. The purpose of this study is exploring selfie taking behaviour and narcissism among young adults. A total 132 subjects were considered for study through an online questionnaire which included demographic variables, selfie taking behaviour and NPI-16 (Narcissistic Personality Inventory -16). The results showed majority of the subjects N = 76 (57.5%) had high narcissism (NPI ≥ 7). Age group 15 to 2...

ABSTRACT We conducted three studies to examine perceptions of grandiose narcissism in college professors. Narcissism might appear incompatible with the profession if professors are viewed fundamentally as helpers or as introverted bookworms. Then again, people might expect professors to display big egos congruent with the prestige of their profession and their privileged public platforms. Our research indicates that professors are generally not seen as highly narcissistic according to the criteria of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory and the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnai...

ABSTRACT This commentary on, “The Paranoid-Schizoid Position and Envious Attacks on the Black Other,” by Ebony Dennis, asserts that there are differences between hate and hatred. I discuss white hatred in terms of the chronic stress on white narcissistic adaptations in the face of the history of white dehumanization and erasure of black people.

It is crucial that nurse leaders understand the causes of narcissism and how narcissistic behaviors might be addressed within health care settings to help decrease the damage that narcissistic behaviors can have on individuals and institutions.

iii, 77 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 74-77)

The storming of the US Capitol and voter intimidation by Trump supporters has marked significant upheaval in American democracy. In three cross-sectional studies, we test the proposition that collective narcissism is associated with support for a populist leader to the point of disregard for democratic procedures and hostility towards others. In Study 1, conducted just before the 2020 Presidential elections, we examined the association of American collective narcissism with support for Trump’s presidency even if Donald Trump was to violate the democratic procedures while securing the re-electi...

The connections between narcissism and political orientations have been theorized by scholars, and increasingly evoked by political parties, politicians, public intellectuals, and the media. Yet surprisingly little research has been undertaken to empirically asses the veracity of these claims. We address this lacuna by identifying the relationship between narcissism, political ideologies and partisanship in a nationally representative sample taken days before the 2016 US Presidential election. Overall, we find those on the left and right are equally narcissistic. However, liberals and conserva...

It is expedient and indeed indispensable to insert a third stage between [autoeroticism and object-love]. [In it] the hitherto isolated sexual instincts have already come together into a single whole and have also found an object. But this object is not an external one … it is [the subject's] own ego. – S. Freud, Totem and Taboo , 1913b, pp. 88–89. This revolutionary paper of Freud's both identifies a crucial stratum of human psychology – narcissism – and makes far-reaching and compelling claims about the relationship between that trait and other constituents of our mental life. The paper rang...

It is suggested that a failure to distinguish between grandiose and vulnerable presentations of narcissism has led to a less cohesive and coherent literature and that trait-based models of personality and personality disorder can bring greater clarity to many of these important debates.

Recent studies revealed a correlation between self-promoting images on social media and higher levels of narcissism. This research further examined the relationship between narcissism and use of social media by determining the proportion of selfies an individual posts on Instagram and narcissism among millennials. The proportion of pictures that were selfies was measured in two ways: in the subject's past 4-weeks of picture posting and in the last 30 pictures the subject posted. The standard Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) was used to measure the subject's level of narcissism. Correla...

Poster presentation for the 2010 University Scholars Day at the University of North Texas discussing research on narcissism and parenting.

Narcissism and entrepreneurship have been little studied in previous research. For the fashion industry, the relevance of narcissism is evident. In Paris, Berlin, and Zurich, students from fashion schools were surveyed about the connection between dual narcissism and entrepreneurial intention. The results indicate that there are strong correlations between narcissistic admiration and entrepreneurial intention; however, no significant correlations were found for the second component of dual narcissism and narcissistic rivalry. The simple research design was followed up with a more complex resea...

The nature of narcissism and the increasing likelihood of it being ‘normalized’ as one significant factor in the increased demand for, and the delivery of, some questionable dental, oral and/or facial treatments is explored.

An agency-communion model of narcissism distinguishes between agentic narcissists (individuals satisfying self-motives of grandiosity, esteem, entitlement, and power in agentic domains) and communal narcissists (individuals satisfying the same self-motives in communal domains). Five studies supported the model. In Study 1, participants listed their grandiose self-thoughts. Two distinct types emerged: agentic (“I am the most intelligent person”) and communal (“I am the most helpful person”). In Study 2, we relied on the listed communal grandiose self-thoughts to construct the Communal Narcissis...

Chief executive officer (CEO) narcissism is an important area of research due to the strategic implications of how this multifaceted personality trait affects CEO behavior. This article presents a combined meta-analytic and narrative review of CEO narcissism and makes future research recommendations. Our review and meta-analytic findings lead to the creation of a framework for CEO narcissism research focused on narcissistic CEO supply, demand, behavior, and consequences. Additionally, our review identifies five methods of measuring CEO narcissism, each with strengths and weaknesses. We find th...

The study highlighted the importance of studying narcissism, and potentially other personality profiles, at a finer-grained level to better understand crucial psychological processes associated with the construct of interest.

In this review, the literature concerning the diagnostic assessment and conceptualization of narcissistic personality disorder, etiological factors, aggression, and partner violence perpetration will be discussed in relation to the importance of gender.

Theoretically, these results indicate that provocation is a key moderator of the link between narcissism and aggression, and practical results suggest that narcissism is an important risk factor for aggression and violence.

Abstract Opposition to sexual minority rights in Poland is among the highest in the EU. Populist political actors in the country repeatedly scapegoat gays and lesbians, presenting them as a threat to the Polish nation and its shared norms and values, particularly those derived from religion. Building upon previous research which shows how discourse constructing homosexuality as a threat to the nation has been used by social and political actors to legitimize homophobic rhetoric and behaviour, our paper shows whether nationalism—understood here as national collective narcissism—predicts prejudi...

The article brings together the social psychoanalytic approach by Erich Fromm with current research on nationalism in Western democratic societies. While current research often focuses on the extreme forms of nationalism, the work of Erich Fromm contributes to an understanding of nationalism that encompasses the whole society in a world structured by nation states. The notion of a social unconscious helps to reflect upon both visible and often unnoticed forms of nationalism and links it to an interconnected understanding of psychic and social structure. With Fromm we can understand nationalism...

Though grandiose narcissism has predominantly been studied in structural terms-focused on individuals' general tendencies to be more or less narcissistic-we tested whether it also has a meaningful process or state component. Using a daily diary study methodology and multilevel modeling (N = 178 undergraduates, 146 female; Mage  = 18.86, SD = 2.21), we examine whether there is significant variability in daily state narcissism and whether this variability relates systematically to other psychological states (i.e., self-esteem, stress) and daily events. We assessed state narcissism and daily expe...

"Not a quick how-to, this is for the parent, clinician, or caregiver seeking in-depth information and guidance.” - Booklist Notice the signs of narcissism in your child and act to curb them before it’s too late Raising empathetic and unselfish young people in today’s “all about me” world might seem impossible, but parents can take meaningful action to protect children from these harmful influences. Written by a psychologist with decades of clinical experience, Childhood Narcissism explains how selfish, entitled behavior can take root in a child and shows parents how to stop it before it’s t...