Collective Narcissism and Its Social Consequences: The Bad and the Ugly

Abstract

Collective narcissism is a belief that one’s own group (the in-group) is exceptional but not sufficiently recognized by others. It is the form of “in-group love” robustly associated with “out-group hate.” In contrast to private collective self-esteem (or in-group satisfaction, a belief that the in-group is of high value), it predicts prejudice, retaliatory intergroup aggression, and rejoicing in the suffering of other people. The pervasive association between collective narcissism and intergroup hostility is driven by a biased perception of the in-group as constantly threatened and out-groups as hostile and threatening. Collective narcissism is associated with hypersensitivity to provocation and the belief that only hostile revenge is a desirable and rewarding response. It arises when the traditional group-based hierarchies are challenged and empowers extremists as well as populist politicians. Instead of alleviating the sense of threat to one’s self-importance, it refuels it. The association between collective narcissism and intergroup hostility is weakened by experiences that fortify emotional resilience (e.g., positive identification with a community).

Collective narcissism as a framework for understanding populism

“…The link between the perceived lack of self‐recognition and collective narcissism is reciprocal. The way out of the vicious circle of individual and collective narcissism is most likely via the positive association between collective narcissism and non‐narcissistic in‐group satisfaction that is linked to high self‐esteem, psychological maturity and wellbeing (Golec de Zavala, Dyduch‐Hazar, et al, 2019; Golec de Zavala & Lantos, 2020).…”

“…It is the belief that one's own group (the in‐group) is exceptional and entitled to privileged treatment, but it is not sufficiently recognized by others. It is a positive belief about the nation laden with negative emotion of resentment (Golec de Zavala, Cichocka, Eidelson, & Jayawickreme, 2009; Golec de Zavala, Dyduch‐Hazar, & Lantos, 2019; Golec de Zavala & Lantos, 2020). We examine the research on conditions of populism and research on predictors of national collective narcissism in order to elucidate how violations of people's expectations regarding self‐worth and self‐importance predict support for populism.…”

Crossing to safety: Attachment processes in intergroup contact

“…Upon seeing ourselves as members of social groups, we strive to be good representatives of those groups and act according to group norms and standards (Hogg, 2003;Hogg & Abrams, 1988); correspondingly, we also fear being excluded or regarded as deviant from established group norms or standards, and particularly when we identify strongly with our groups (Castano et al, 2002;Hutchison et al, 2008). Scholars have also specified different dimensions of our affiliations with social groups (see, e.g., de Zavala & Lantos, 2020;Roccas & Elster, 2012), such that we may feel a close emotional bond to a group (attachment), and this may or may not be coupled with defensive beliefs that our group is superior to and more worthy than other groups (glorification; see Roccas et al, 2006;Roccas & Elster, 2012).…”

A Macromarketing Prescription for Covid-19: Solidarity and Care Ethics

“…National identification correlates positively with emotionality, social connectedness, pro-social behaviors toward in-group minorities, and solidarity with other nations (Amiot and Aubin 2013; Golec de Zavala 2019). In contrast, collective narcissism, which rests on insecurities linked to privileged treatment that out-groups are expected to recognize, (1) correlates negatively with social connectedness and solidarity with other nations, and (2) correlates positively with hostility toward out-groups and ‘impure’ in-group members (Golec de Zavala 2019; Golec de Zavala and Lantos 2020; Golec de Zavala and Cichocka 2012; Golec de Zavala et al 2009).…”