A multidimensional model of collective narcissism

Abstract

The impact of collective narcissism on intergroup and intragroup relations has seen a recent surge in attention. Since collective narcissism is a relatively new topic of study, with only a single published measure, its structure and composition require further investigation. A pilot study investigated a multidimensional model of collective narcissism and identified four factors: entitlement/exploitativeness, dominance/arrogance, apathy, and admiration. Study 1 (a) provided construct, convergent, and discriminant validity and (b) demonstrated that the factors differentially predict various responses in the intergroup context. Study 2 demonstrated the four-factor solution's statistical and theoretical superiority to a single-factor solution when predicting behavior in the intergroup context. Studies 3 and 4 supported the importance of a multidimensional structure to predict intergroup and intragroup behavior. Study 3 revealed that apathy and entitlement/exploitativeness were particularly responsible for negative intergroup and intragroup responses after ingroup failure, whereas Study 4 demonstrated that dominance/arrogance was critical to understand ingroup-enhancing responses. This multidimensional framework contributes theoretical clarity and nuance to the range of narcissistic motivations and responses in the group context. We discuss the importance of a multidimensional approach to collective narcissism and outline its complex relation with a number of intergroup processes, including group identification, ingroup loyalty, and outgroup hostility.