Investigating motivations underlying collective narcissism and in-group identification

Abstract

We draw on self-determination theory and research on religious orientations to investigate motivations associated with collective narcissism—a belief in in-group greatness that is underappreciated by others—versus secure in-group identity, an unpretentious positive regard for the in-group. Four surveys examined these associations focusing on different social identities: personally important groups (Study 1, N = 212), nationalities (Study 2, N = 196), and religious groups (Study 3, N = 1,690; Study 4, N = 399). In Studies 1, 2, and 4, self-determined motivations were associated with secure in-group identity, whereas non-self-determined motivations were related to collective narcissism. In Studies 3 and 4, intrinsic religiosity was related to collective narcissism and secure in-group identity, while extrinsic personal religiosity was associated with collective narcissism only. Results indicate that collective narcissism is motivated by seeking external and internal rewards.

Party people: Differentiating the associations of partisan identification and partisan narcissism with political skill, integrity, and party dedication

“…Our study, therefore, adds to the literature suggesting that collective narcissism is associated with lower ingroup loyalty as this is the first study finding evidence for those high in collective narcissism “jumping” from group to group. This echoes with recent findings linking collective narcissism to seeking group membership to gain self‐worth, recognition, or prestige (Eker et al, 2023).…”

“…Both variables can be viewed as important for the future health and functioning of an organization. High levels of social identification may yield an intrinsic motivation (Eker et al, 2023) to work hard to benefit one's organization (Van Knippenberg, 2000) and stay with it (Ellemers et al, 1997). In any case, those high in partisan identification likely made the correct choice to stay with the party, as studies suggest that candidates who demonstrate party loyalty fare better in elections (Folke & Rickne, 2020).…”

“…Collective narcissism increases when people's feelings of autonomy or self‐worth are threatened (Cichocka et al, 2018; Golec de Zavala et al, 2020)—people seem to compensate for frustrated personal needs by investing in the ingroup image (Eker et al, 2023). This is likely why those high in collective narcissism are more concerned with how the ingroup reflects on them, rather than with the welfare of other group members (Cichocka, 2016).…”

“‘Cause We Are the Champions of the World”

“…Collective narcissism allows individuals to compensate for their own failures and frustrations (Cichocka et al, 2018; Golec de Zavala et al., 2020). People with a high level of collective narcissism can use their own group – its status, perceived greatness, and, importantly from the point of view of this research, history, and outstanding achievements – to enhance their own image (Cichocka, 2016; Eker et al., 2022; Gronfeldt, Cislak et al, 2022). This may suggest that those high in collective narcissism will support various historical policies and visions of history that present their own group (country and nation) in a positive way, emphasizing the greatness of its achievements and importance in the development of civilization and the world.…”

“…Collective narcissism allows individuals to compensate for their own failures and frustrations (Cichocka et al, 2018;Golec de Zavala et al, 2020). People with a high level of collective narcissism can use their own groupits status, perceived greatness, and, importantly from the point of view of this research, history, and outstanding achievementsto enhance their own image (Cichocka, 2016;Eker et al, 2022;. This may suggest that those high in collective narcissism will support various historical .…”