Where the Narcissistic Mind Wanders: Increased Self-Related Thoughts are More Positive and Future Oriented
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 553-566 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of personality disorders |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 31 Aug 2017 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
Externally published | Yes |
External IDs
ORCID | /0000-0003-2027-8782/work/36507310 |
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Scopus | 85028304059 |
Keywords
Keywords
- Adult, Female, Humans, Male, Narcissism, Self Concept