Where the Narcissistic Mind Wanders: Increased Self-Related Thoughts are More Positive and Future Oriented

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Philipp Kanske - , Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Author)
  • Marjan Sharifi - , Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin (Author)
  • Jonathan Smallwood - , York St John University (Author)
  • Isabel Dziobek - , Humboldt University of Berlin (Author)
  • Tania Singer - , Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (Author)

Abstract

Narcissism is characterized by a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, and similar values, which has been discussed as intra-individual regulation of a grandiose, but vulnerable self-concept. To explore where the narcissistic mind wanders, we used an experience-sampling approach in a sample with large variability in pathological narcissism inventory scores. Multilevel modeling revealed (1) more mind-wandering in participants with higher levels of narcissism and (2) a difference in the content of these thoughts (more self- and other-related, past and future oriented, negative content). Critically, (3) in high levels of narcissism, the self-related thoughts were associated with more positive valence and were also more future oriented. The results demonstrate the validity of the assumed grandiose, self-absorbed view of oneself in narcissism, which includes self-indulgent fantasies of future success. We also found additional evidence for negative, past-oriented thoughts in narcissism, a dysfunctional pattern reminiscent of rumination, possibly linked to increased psychopathological vulnerability in narcissism.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)553-566
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of personality disorders
Volume31
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 31 Aug 2017
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-2027-8782/work/36507310
Scopus 85028304059

Keywords

Keywords

  • Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Narcissism, Self Concept

Library keywords