QUB Finds Narcissists To Be 'Mentally Tough'

While narcissism may be perceived as a negative personality trait, researchers at Queen's University Belfast have found such individuals to be less vulnerable and with lower stress levels.

According to papers published by Dr Kostas Papageorgiou of the School of Psychology at Queen's, people with narcissistic traits are more likely to be "mentally tough".

Dr Papageorgiou explained: "Narcissism is part of the 'Dark Tetrad' of personality that also includes Machiavellianism, Psychopathy and Sadism. There are two main dimensions to narcissism – grandiose and vulnerable. Vulnerable narcissists are likely to be more defensive and view the behaviour of others as hostile whereas grandiose narcissists usually have an over inflated sense of importance and a preoccupation with status and power."

It's known that people with traits such as narcissism may engage in risky behaviour, hold an unrealistic superior view of themselves, be overconfident, show little empathy for others, and have little shame or guilt.

The research involved over 700 adults and set out to explore why such a "socially toxic" trait continues to rise in modern societies.

A key discovery was that grandiose narcissism can increase mental toughness and help to offset symptoms of depression. It also found that people who score high on grandiose narcissism have lower levels of perceived stress and are therefore less likely to view their life as stressful.

The research is a fresh approach to the study of personality and psychopathology, highlighting that there are some positives to be found in terms of potential societal impact.

Dr Papageorgiou commented: "The results from all the studies that we conducted show that grandiose narcissism correlates with very positive components of mental toughness, such as confidence and goal orientation, protecting against symptoms of depression and perceived stress.

"This research really helps to explain variation in symptoms of depression in society - if a person is more mentally tough they are likely to embrace challenges head on, rather than viewing them as a hurdle.

"While of course not all dimensions of narcissism are good, certain aspects can lead to positive outcomes."



(JG/CM)