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Attenuating the link between threatened egotism and aggression
Sara Konrath1, Brad J Bushman, W Keith Campbell
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA.
Psychological Science
|December 21, 2006
Summary
Narcissistic aggression, triggered by ego threats, can be reduced by fostering a sense of similarity. When narcissists believed they shared a unique trait with another person, aggression decreased significantly.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Narcissistic individuals exhibit heightened aggression when their ego is threatened.
- Understanding factors that mitigate narcissistic aggression is crucial for interpersonal dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if inducing a sense of unity or shared identity can reduce narcissistic aggression.
- To examine the role of perceived similarity in moderating aggressive responses in narcissists.
Main Methods:
- Two experimental studies were conducted where participants were led to believe they shared a commonality (birthday or fingerprint type) with a partner.
- Control groups received no information about shared similarities.
- Aggression was measured after participants' essays were criticized, using loud noise blasts administered to the partner.
Main Results:
- Narcissists in control groups displayed significantly higher aggression following ego threat.
- When participants perceived a shared similarity with their partner, narcissistic aggression was completely eliminated, even under ego threat.
Conclusions:
- Perceived shared identity effectively attenuates narcissistic aggression, even when the ego is challenged.
- Fostering a sense of 'us' rather than 'them' can be a powerful strategy to reduce aggression in narcissistic individuals.
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