Misperceiving grandiose narcissism as self‐esteem: Why narcissists are well liked at zero acquaintance

Abstract

Objective We examine why people form positive first impressions of grandiose narcissists, even though they can identify others’ narcissism. We test whether this occurs because narcissists are perceived to have especially high self‐esteem, which is socially valued. Method Across four studies, undergraduate perceivers viewed photographs of targets (for whom narcissism and self‐esteem were known) and rated perceptions of their narcissism and self‐esteem, as well as how much they liked them. Results Perceivers rated more narcissistic targets to be higher in self‐esteem (even compared to targets with equally high self‐esteem) and liked them more. Perceptions of self‐esteem, moreover, mediated the effect of target narcissism on liking (Study 1). This effect disappeared when targets’ narcissism was made salient, suggesting that trait narcissism is not inherently attractive (Study 2). Finally, path models revealed a negative effect of perceptions of narcissism on liking that was suppressed by a positive effect of perceptions of self‐esteem on liking (Study 3a), even for ratings of people’s online dating profiles (Study 3b). Conclusions Positive initial impressions of narcissists may be driven by inflated perceptions that they have high self‐esteem.

The “Why” and “How” of Narcissism: A Process Model of Narcissistic Status Pursuit

“…In fact, narcissists are likely to acquire a high status and become well-liked in short-term acquaintances and self-presentational settings because in such settings affiliative bonds are more shallow and less intimate (Back et al, 2010; Carlson & Lawless DesJardins, 2015; Dufner, Rauthmann, Czarna, & Denissen, 2013; Lamkin, Clifton, Campbell, & Miller, 2014; Leckelt, Küfner, Nestler, & Back, 2015; Oltmanns, Friedman, Fiedler, & Turkheimer, 2004; Paulhus, 1998). Narcissists may become liked in such settings in part because their narcissistic traits are often misperceived as self-esteem, which is generally desirable regardless of social setting (Giacomin & Jordan, 2018). This quick boost in likability and status that is associated with narcissistic admiration can be especially beneficial for navigating hierarchies.…”

Transformational Leader or Narcissist? How Grandiose Narcissists Can Create and Destroy Organizations and Institutions

“…Observers saw those higher in narcissism as having higher self-esteem and as more likable. 31 Interestingly, over time as people come to know them, grandiose narcissists become less likable and seen as less competent. 32 This ability to make positive first impressions provides an essential insight into the mystery behind why narcissists are able to access high-status positions.…”

When people estimate their personal intelligence who is overconfident? Who is accurate?

“…Understanding who is accurate and who is prone to overconfidence has real‐world implications. For example, in the workplace, an overconfident manager may initially be attractive to employees and to an organization and favored relative to colleagues who are more self‐critical (Back, Schmukle, & Egloff, 2010; Giacomin & Jordan, 2018; Grijalva, Harms, Newman, Gaddis, & Fraley, 2015). People prefer confident‐appearing supervisors even after they have made errors in judgment such as who to hire or whether a team‐member can handle an assignment properly (Tenney, Meikle, Hunsaker, Moore, & Anderson, 2019).…”