Narcissism and Passive-Aggression: Testing the Moderating Effect of Perceived Ostracism
Daniel Waldeck1, Christiane M Büttner2, Rachael Leggett1
1Coventry University.
The Journal of Psychology
|December 22, 2025
Summary
Narcissism is linked to passive aggressive behaviors like criticism and sabotage. Feeling ostracized amplifies narcissists' tendency to induce criticism, but doesn't affect other passive aggressive actions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by grandiosity and a lack of empathy.
- Passive aggressive behaviors manifest as indirect resistance to demands and social interactions.
- Perceived ostracism refers to the subjective experience of being ignored or excluded.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between narcissism and passive aggressive behaviors.
- To examine the moderating role of perceived ostracism on this relationship.
- To differentiate the effects of perceived ostracism on specific passive aggressive sub-components.
Main Methods:
- Online survey administered to 219 participants.
- Narcissism, passive aggressive behaviors (inducing criticism, ostracizing others, sabotaging behavior), and perceived ostracism were measured.
- Statistical analyses were conducted to assess direct and moderating effects.
Main Results:
- Narcissism showed a significant positive correlation with overall passive aggressive behaviors.
- Perceived ostracism moderated the relationship between narcissism and inducing criticism.
- No significant moderation was found for ostracizing others or sabotage behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Narcissism is associated with increased passive aggressive tendencies.
- Perceived ostracism can amplify the tendency for narcissists to induce criticism.
- Findings highlight the nuanced interplay between personality, social exclusion, and specific behavioral responses.
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