Distress and Retaliatory Aggression in Response to Witnessing Intergroup Exclusion are Greater on Higher Levels of Collective Narcissism

Abstract

The negative consequences of personal exclusion have been demonstrated by multiple studies. Less is known about the consequences of witnessing one’s own group being excluded by other groups, although studies suggest exclusion can be experienced vicariously and negatively affects members of the excluded group. Results of the present lab-based experiment (N= 153), indicate, in line with our predictions, that witnessing intergroup exclusion (manipulated by an adapted intergroup Cyberball paradigm) produced a sense of personal exclusion. It also increased self-reported distress and behavioral aggression measured in the Taylor Aggression Paradigm), especially among participants high on collective narcissism: a belief that the exaggerated greatness of the in-group is not sufficiently appreciated by others. Contrary to expectations, a short mindful decentration intervention (instructing participants to observe thoughts and emotions as transient mental products without engaging with them) delivered while participants were witnessing intergroup exclusion (versus inclusion) produced changes in heart rate variability reactivity indicative of emotional arousal especially among collective narcissists. We concluded that collective narcissism is associated with distress in the face of intergroup exclusion, aggressive retaliation, and in consequence it is a risk-factor predisposing group members to stress-related health and psychosocial problems. Furthermore, a mindful decentration, despite being an effective strategy to reduce maladaptive stress in most people, may be counterproductive in addressing high collective narcissists’ responses to threat to the in-group’s image.

Social identity threat across group status: Links to psychological well-being and intergroup bias through collective narcissism and ingroup satisfaction.

“…Collective narcissism also moderates the effects of the ingroup's image on intergroup hostility, and exacerbates the negative association between intergroup exclusion and retaliatory aggression (Golec de Zavala et al, 2013Zavala et al, , 2016Hase et al, 2021). Thus, we expect social identity threat to be associated with greater collective narcissism.…”

“…Indeed, recent research indicates that, unlike non-narcissistic ingroup satisfaction, collective narcissism increases not only in response to threats to self-esteem (Golec de Zavala et al, 2020) or unsatisfied human needs (especially personal control, Cichocka et al, 2018; Marchlewska et al, 2020), but also to intergroup threat (Dyduch-Hazar et al, 2019; Guerra et al, 2020) and ingroup image threat (Golec de Zavala et al, 2016). Collective narcissism also moderates the effects of the ingroup’s image on intergroup hostility, and exacerbates the negative association between intergroup exclusion and retaliatory aggression (Golec de Zavala et al, 2013, 2016; Hase et al, 2021). Thus, we expect social identity threat to be associated with greater collective narcissism.…”

Collective Narcissism as a Basis for Nationalism

“…Individuals who endorse collective narcissism are sensitive to threats to the perceived greatness of the ingroup (Bagci et al, 2021; Guerra et al, 2020). When the ingroup does not receive the admiration it is believed to deserve, collective narcissists react with hostility, retaliatory aggression, and joy at the misfortunes of outgroups in both observational and experimental studies (Golec de Zavala et al, 2009, 2016; Golec de Zavala, Cichocka, & Iskra‐Golec, 2013; Hase et al, 2021). For example, Polish respondents who were high in national collective narcissism were more likely to perceive a film focused on Polish anti‐Semitism as a national insult to Poland and to seek punishment for the filmmakers (Golec de Zavala et al, 2016).…”

“…For example, Polish respondents who were high in national collective narcissism were more likely to perceive a film focused on Polish anti‐Semitism as a national insult to Poland and to seek punishment for the filmmakers (Golec de Zavala et al, 2016). Given this sensitivity, collective narcissists tend to see the world as full of malevolent actors who conspire to undermine the ingroup (Cichocka et al, 2016; Golec de Zavala, 2020; Golec de Zavala & Cichocka, 2012), and they are prone to intergroup animosity and aggression (Golec de Zavala et al, 2009, 2020; Hase et al, 2021; Jasko et al, 2020).…”

“…Cichocka & Cisłak, 2020). Collective narcissistic deservingness is likely to lead to nationalistic superiority and desire for international dominance (de Figueiredo Jr. & Elkins, 2003; Golec de Zavala et al, 2016; Hase et al, 2021; Jasko et al, 2020; Sidanius et al, 1997). Indeed, national collective narcissism predicts support for authoritarian‐populist parties and political figures with a strong nationalist orientation (Federico & Golec de Zavala, 2018; Forgas & Lantos, 2020; Keenan & Golec de Zavala, 2021; Marchlewska et al, 2018; see also Golec de Zavala et al, 2016; Lyons et al, 2010).…”