Social decision making in narcissism: Reduced generosity and increased retaliation are driven by alterations in perspective-taking and anger

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • A. Böckler - , Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Würzburg (Joint first author)
  • M. Sharifi - , Free University of Berlin, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Joint first author)
  • P. Kanske - , Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Author)
  • I. Dziobek - , Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin School of Mind and Brain (Author)
  • T. Singer - , Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Author)

Abstract

Narcissism can lead to various interpersonal problems. However, the characteristics of social decision making in trait narcissism and the cognitive and affective underpinnings are poorly understood. We employed established game theoretical paradigms to investigate different facets of social behavior in participants (N = 122; 41 female, mean age = 30 years) with a wide range of scores on the Pathological Narcissistic Inventory. Interpersonal traits, attitudes, and emotions were assessed as potential mediators of behavioral differences. High narcissism scores were related to lower generosity, especially when this could result in being punished. This maladaptive behavior was fully mediated by reduced perspective-taking abilities in narcissism. Also, narcissism scores predicted higher levels of punishment behavior, driven by higher levels of experienced anger. Hence, the difficulties narcissists face in interactions may be due to their reduced perspective-taking skills and resulting reduced generosity as well as enhanced anger-based retaliation behavior.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages7
JournalPersonality and individual differences
Volume104
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2017
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

Scopus 84979649739

Keywords

Keywords

  • Narcissism, Prosocial behavior, Social decision making, Behavioral economics, Individual differences