Narcissism and Aggressive Driving: Is an Inflated View of the Self a Road Hazard?

A total of 210 drivers varying in levels of trait narcissism were presented with 10 scenarios of objectionable driving situations and were asked to make assessments of intentionality, level of inconsideration, and anger and to indicate the behavioral responses they would likely make in such situations. It was hypothesized that responses would reflect attributions made in assessing the behaviors of other motorists. Our results confirmed the associations among attributions, anger, and behavioral reactions. Positive correlations were found between attributions and levels of anger and driver aggression. Individuals high in narcissism were also found to respond more aggressively toward the frustrating driving behavior of others, but this relationship varied by gender and anger experience.     

Stability and level of self-esteem as predictors of anger arousal and hostility

We examined stability of self-esteem and level of self-esteem as predictors of dispositional tendencies to experience anger and hostility. We reasoned that individuals with unstable high self-esteem would report especially high tendencies to experience anger and hostility, and that individuals with stable high self-esteem would report particularly low tendencies. We expected individuals with stable and unstable low self-esteem to fall between these two extremes. These predictions were derived from an analysis of anger and hostility that emphasized the instigating role of threats to self-esteem. Stability of self-esteem was assessed through multiple assessments of global self-esteem in naturalistic settings. Results revealed the predicted pattern for the tendency to experience anger and a "motor" component of hostility. The importance of considering both stability and level of self-esteem in analyses of anger and hostility is discussed.     

The importance of narcissism in predicting proactive and reactive aggression in moderately to highly aggressive children

The present study examined the importance of psychopathy-linked narcissism in predicting proactive and reactive aggression and conduct problems in a group of 160 moderately to highly aggressive children (mean age of 10 years, 9 months). Children's self-report of self-esteem and parent and teacher report of dimensions of psychopathy [narcissism, callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and impulsivity], proactive and reactive aggression, and conduct problems were collected. Composites of parent and teacher ratings of children's behavior were used. Consistent with the study's hypotheses, narcissism predicted unique variance in both proactive and reactive aggression, even when controlling for other dimensions of psychopathy, demographic variables associated with narcissism, and the alternative subtype of aggression. As hypothesized, impulsivity was significantly associated with only reactive aggression. CU traits were not related to proactive or reactive aggression once the control variables were entered. All dimensions of psychopathy predicted unique variance in conduct problems. Consistent with prediction, narcissism was not significantly related to general self-esteem, providing support that narcissism and self-esteem are different constructs. Furthermore, narcissism and self-esteem related differentially to proactive aggression, reactive aggression, and conduct problems. Furthermore, narcissism but not self-esteem accounted for unique variance in aggression and conduct problems. The importance of narcissism in the prediction of aggressive behaviors and clinical implications are discussed.     

状态自恋与攻击行为——知觉到的威胁、愤怒情绪和敌意归因偏差的多重中介作用

采用2(自恋故事vs.中性故事)×2(威胁情境vs.表扬情境)的被试间设计对162名大学生的状态自恋与攻击行为的关系及其机制进行考察。结果发现:(1)与中性故事组相比,自恋故事能够显著激活被试的状态自恋水平;(2)与表扬情境相比,威胁情境中自恋激活组个体的攻击意向显著高于中性故事组,说明状态自恋激活能够显著增加个体的攻击行为;(3)状态自恋通过知觉到的威胁、愤怒情绪和敌意归因偏差间接预测攻击行为;(4)从总体上来说,知觉到的威胁既可显著直接预测攻击行为,也可通过愤怒情绪间接预测攻击行为。对自恋激活组,状态自恋可以通过影响愤怒情绪和敌意归因偏差间接影响攻击行为;对中性控制组来说,这种关系则不存在。本研究结果证实,状态自恋的激活能够显著增加个体面对消极反馈时攻击行为产生的认知情绪机制。     

Using self-esteem to disaggregate psychopathy,narcissism, and aggression

Past research offers conflicting conclusions regarding the associations between self-esteem, psychopathy, narcissism, and aggression. The current study clarified these associations by examining self-esteem level and stability as it relates to the factors of psychopathy and narcissism predicting aggression. Self-report assessments were administered to 118 undergraduates. While self-esteem instability was not related to psychopathy or narcissism, it was positively correlated with aggression. Additionally, those with the healthier aspects of narcissism and Factor 1 features of psychopathy had high self-esteem and less aggression, while those with more pathological narcissism and Factor 2 features of psychopathy had lower self-esteem and more aggression. Specifically, the relationship between psychopathy Factor 1 and aggression was partially mediated by lower self-esteem.     

Locus of control as a contributing factor in the relation between self-perception and adolescent aggression

Researchers continue to debate the role of self-esteem in aggression, but research has shown a consistent association between narcissism and aggression in adults and adolescents [e.g., Barry et al., 2007; Bushman and Baumeister, 1998; Stucke, 2007]. The primary aim of the current study was to examine whether locus of control (LOC) moderated the relation between self-perception variables (i.e., self-esteem and narcissism) and aggression in adolescents. Participants were 174 youth (145 males, 26 females) between the ages of 16 and 19 who were enrolled in a voluntary residential program for youth who have dropped out of school. The results showed that LOC moderated the association between self-esteem and aggression such that low self-esteem was associated with higher levels of aggression for individuals with an external LOC. Contrary to expectations, LOC failed to moderate the narcissism-aggression relation. The implications of this study for understanding how self-perception is related to adolescent aggression are discussed.     

自恋与攻击性关系的元分析

本研究采用元分析技术探讨自恋与攻击性的关系。通过文献检索和筛选, 共纳入原始文献121篇, 含177个独立样本, 参与者总数达73687名。元分析的结果显示, 自恋与攻击性存在显著正相关, 二者关系受性别和自恋报告方式的调节, 但不受攻击性报告方式和文化的调节。同时, 不同类型的自恋与攻击性呈现出不同的相关程度, 内隐自恋与攻击性的相关程度高于外显自恋, 非适应性自恋与攻击性的相关程度高于适应性自恋。后续的研究应加强自恋测量的准确性, 注重探讨不同类型自恋与不同类型攻击性的关系。     

Determinants of Parents' Sideline‐Rage Emotions and Behaviors at Youth Soccer Games1

The present research extended and tested a motivational model of anger and aggression, derived from self‐determination theory. It was hypothesized that control‐oriented parents would exhibit more ego defensiveness, feel more pressure, and thus report higher levels of sport parental anger and aggression. Conversely, autonomy‐oriented parents were predicted to experience less ego defensiveness, feel less pressure, and thus report lower levels of sport parent anger and aggression. Participants were 340 parents of youth soccer players (boys and girls ages 8–16). The majority of participants reported experiencing anger and responded with varying levels of aggression. The results provide strong support for the hypotheses and suggest that control orientation determines parents' ego defensiveness, which in turn leads to anger and aggressive spectator behavior.     

When a grandiose self-image is threatened: narcissism and self-concept clarity as predictors of negative emotions and aggression following ego-threat

Two studies examined the relation between narcissism, self-concept clarity, negative emotions, and aggression based on theoretical assumptions proposed by Baumeister, Smart, and Boden (1996). Narcissism and self-concept clarity were examined as predictors for anger, depression, and verbal aggression following ego-threat, which was operationalized by a bogus performance feedback on an intelligence test. The second study also examined the mediating effects of participants' negative emotions to provide an additional explanation for the aggressive reactions after failure. As expected, narcissism and self-concept clarity were significant predictors of negative emotions and aggression after failure. In accordance with our hypothesis, high narcissists with low self-concept clarity reacted with anger and aggression after failure, whereas less narcissistic individuals with high self-concept clarity showed feelings of depression and no aggression. The results also indicated that aggression was always directed toward the source of the ego-threatening feedback. Additionally, anger and depression could predict the aggressive response after failure but they did not mediate the relation between narcissism, self-concept clarity, performance feedback, and aggression.     

Looking Again, and Harder, for a Link Between Low Self-Esteem and Aggression

ABSTRACT Recent field studies have revived the hypothesis that low self-esteem causes aggression. Accordingly, we reanalyzed the data from a previous experiment and conducted a new experiment to study direct physical aggression in the form of blasting a fellow participant with aversive noise. We also conducted a field study using a measure of indirect aggression in the form of a consequential negative evaluation. High narcissists were more aggressive than others but only when provoked by insult or humiliation and only toward the source of criticism. The combination of high self-esteem and high narcissism produced the highest levels of aggression. These results support the view of aggression as stemming from threatened egotism and are inconsistent with the hypothesis that low self-esteem causes either direct or indirect aggression.     

自尊与攻击行为的关系述评

传统观点认为低自尊容易导致攻击,但最近此观点遭到置疑。一些实验证实了低自尊者容易陷入被欺负的境地;Salmivalli等认为某些高自尊的人更具攻击性,而另一些却没有;Bushman和Baumeister等认为自尊与攻击之间没什么联系,但自恋与攻击有高相关。总之,目前自尊与攻击的关系还很难明了,但很多结论都证实了自我中心被威胁学说和高自尊异质性学说。     

Offener und verdeckter Narzissmus

Psychoanalytic theories and clinical practice refer to 2 types of narcissism which differ in the visibility of the narcissistic features: while overt narcissism is observable in open behaviour, covert narcissism is concealed behind an insecure appearance. This distinction was tested empirically by relating the two types of narcissism to self-esteem and the attachment dimensions avoidance and anxiety. Patients in a psychosomatic out-patient department (n=102) were examined with self-report measure. Overt narcissism is associated with a high, covert narcissism with a low self-esteem. Furthermore, while overt narcissism is not related to the attachment dimensions, covert narcissism is accompanied by high levels of attachment anxiety. The results support the theory that narcissism is divided into 2 subtypes which have different profiles in terms of self-esteem and attachment.     

Further evidence of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory’s validity problems: A meta-analytic investigation—Response to Miller, Maples, and Campbell (this issue)

Miller, Maples, and Campbell (this issue) present evidence that Rosenthal and Hooley’s (2010) concerns regarding the Narcissistic Personality Inventory’s (NPI) relation to psychological health may be unwarranted. To resolve this issue empirically, we conducted a meta-analysis (k = 54, N = 38,932). Meta-analytic results revealed that a subset of NPI items were indeed problematic; items that function poorly at differentiating narcissists from non-narcissists accounted entirely for the NPI’s connection to psychological health. These items were also strongly associated with self-esteem, but unrelated to aggression/anger. In contrast, the remaining NPI items were unrelated to psychological health, but associated with aggression/anger. We conclude that although the NPI measures narcissism, its poorest functioning items also link it to outcomes unrelated to narcissism.     

Joint trajectories of adolescent narcissism and self-esteem predict interpersonal features in young adulthood

The joint developmental trajectories of narcissism and self-esteem were examined across ages 13 to 19 in the prediction of interpersonal features at age 20 (indirect aggression, jealousy, hypercompetitiveness, mate value). In 617 individuals (54.5% girls/women; 76.2% White), the five expected groups of interest were found: (1) high increasing narcissism/high stable self-esteem (i.e., grandiose narcissism; 13.1%, n = 81), (2) high increasing narcissism/moderate-to-low decreasing self-esteem (i.e., vulnerable narcissism; 1.1%, n = 7), (3) low decreasing narcissism/high stable self-esteem (9.9%, n = 61), (4) low decreasing narcissism/moderate-to-low decreasing self-esteem (6.5%, n = 40), and (5) moderate stable narcissism/high stable self-esteem (35.2%, n = 217). The grandiose and vulnerable narcissism groups significantly predicted indirect aggression but differed in the other interpersonal features.     

Self-Esteem, Narcissism, and Aggression: Does Violence Result From Low Self-Esteem or From Threatened Egotism?

A traditional view holds that low self-esteem causes aggression, but recent work has not confirmed this. Although aggressive people typically have high self-esteem, there are also many nonaggressive people with high self-esteem, and so newer constructs such as narcissism and unstable self-esteem are most effective at predicting aggression. The link between self-regard and aggression is best captured by the theory of threatened egotism, which depicts aggression as a means of defending a highly favorable view of self against someone who seeks to undermine or discredit that view.     

Narcissistic personality features and self-reported anger

The relationship between anger and narcissistic personality characteristics was examined for 91 students in introductory psychology courses. 35 individuals high in narcissism reported greater verbally expressed anger. Males high in narcissism were more likely to express anger physically. Results are discussed in terms of DSM-III--R criteria for narcissistic personality disorder.     

Differences in Aggression,Attitudes Toward Women,and Distrust as Reflected in Popular Music Preferences

This article examines the complex relationship between dispositions, popular music preferences, and attitudes. In accordance with selective-exposure and excitation-transfer theories, it was expected that anger and self-esteem dispositions would influence popular-music preferences and attitudinal differences. Using a sample of 243 persons, we examined hypotheses and research questions seeking to link music preferences with three attitudes: aggression, attitudes toward women, and trust/distrust. Anger and self-esteem were treated as covariates. Multivariate analysis of covariance showed significant attitudinal differences among those who preferred different music genres. As compared with most other genres, heavy-metal music listeners exhibited more aggression and lesser regard for women, and rap listeners showed more aggression and distrust. Implications of these findings were discussed.     

Association of Normative Beliefs and Anger with Aggression and Antisocial Behavior in Russian Male Juvenile Offenders and High School Students

Examined the association of anger experience and two types of normative beliefs with physical aggression and nonaggressive antisocial behavior in 361 juvenile offenders and 206 high school students in Russia. All participants were male and ranged in age from 14 to 18 years. Higher frequency of aggressive acts was significantly associated with higher levels of anger and stronger beliefs that physical aggression is an appropriate course of action in conflicts. After statistically controlling for nonaggressive antisocial behavior, the relationship between physical aggression and antisocial beliefs was not significant. Similarly, with physical aggression controlled, nonaggressive antisocial behavior was uniquely associated with approval of deviancy, but not with anger or beliefs legitimizing aggression. Juvenile offenders reported higher levels of anger experience and higher frequency of aggression and antisocial behavior compared to high school students. There were no differences in normative beliefs between these two groups. This specificity of association of social-cognitive and emotion-regulation processes to aggressive and nonaggressive forms of antisocial behavior may be relevant to understanding the mechanisms of cognitive-behavioral therapy for conduct disorder and antisocial behavior.     

Narcissus locked in the past: Vulnerable narcissism and the negative views of the past

We examined how the perception of past events might contribute to the understanding of vulnerable narcissism. Across seven samples (N_Grand = 1271), we investigated the association between vulnerable narcissism and individual differences in negative view of the past as well as how both were associated with basic personality traits, intrapersonal (i.e., affect, life satisfaction, and self-esteem) and interpersonal (i.e., anger, and hostility) outcomes, and memory biases of immediate life events and early life traumas. We found that vulnerable narcissism was reliably correlated with a negative view of the past. Additionally, both variables showed similar personality profiles (e.g., high neuroticism) and overlapped in explaining various outcomes, including self-esteem, anger, hostility, recalled traumas, and a negative memory bias.     

青少年自尊与攻击的关系：中介变量和调节变量的作用

以705名初、高中生为被试,采用量表法和同伴提名法收集数据,探讨了自尊与攻击的关系以及对二者关系可能有影响的中介变量和调节变量的作用。结果表明：（1）自尊与攻击的相关系数为-0.21,这说明低自尊与高攻击有关;（2）回归方程纳入自控后,自尊对攻击的预测在统计意义上不明显,表明自尊通过自控对攻击产生影响,自控在自尊与攻击的关系中起着中介的作用;（3）社会地位对自尊与攻击之间的关系具有调节作用,它调节着两者关系的强度;（4）社会影响对自控的中介作用具有调节作用