The Politics of Self-Obsession
The relationship between politics and narcissism
Narcissism has long been linked to politics. Many politicians have been observed to exhibit narcissistic tendencies, if they are not actual narcissists themselves. The link can seem quite intuitive. After all, money and power are major features of politics, and narcissists cannot get enough of either.
In 1998, a study showed that politicians score higher than other professions on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (“NPI”). The data showed a spike in characteristics such as superiority, arrogance, and entitlement. You don’t need to be a political junkie to have predicted this one. If you’ve watched even a single presidential debate here in the USA, you may come to a similar conclusion.
Much less discussed, however, is an examination of non-politicians who participate in politics — as voters or activists, for example.
Recent studies suggest there is a link here as well, exhibiting a positive correlation between narcissism and political participation. Put simply: the more narcissistic a person is, the more likely that person is to sign petitions, contact politicians, vote in midterm elections, and donate money.
The researchers did not find a relationship between narcissism and participation or voting in general elections. However, regarding other forms of participation (including voting in midterm elections) people with more narcissistic personalities were found to be more politically involved. These results were consistent, even after accounting for a host of sociodemographic variables (including political interest).
The strongest results that the researchers found were at “the first stages of participation.” First stages means “those that set the agenda, get their voice heard, protest, join organizations, engage on social media, and take part in primaries and midterm voting.”
This makes sense. People who are self-absorbed often feel that they are morally superior and that their ideas are the only correct ones. They are more likely to feel that they need and deserve to be the loudest on social media. They believe that they need to get involved in every early stage of the political process to make sure their candidate makes it all the way from the primaries to the general election.
Another recent study tested ideological inclinations against narcissistic tendencies. The studies do not show whether the right or left wing of politics attracts more narcissists. However, it seems that gravitation towards extremism is linked to narcissistic tendencies.
A study conducted in March 2023 examined left-wing authoritarian attitudes against dark personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy. Individuals with narcissistic and/or psychopathic tendencies have been found more likely to endorse left-wing anti-hierarchical aggression. Anti-hierarchical aggression is a hostility aimed at opposing or challenging authority and hierarchical power structures. According to the researchers, “individuals with dark personalities — such as high narcissistic and psychopathic traits — are attracted to certain forms of political and social activism which they can use as a vehicle to satisfy their own ego-focused needs instead of actually aiming at social justice and equality.”
Particularly, certain types of activism may provide these individuals the opportunity for positive self-presentation and many displays of moral superiority. They use these opportunities to gain social status, dominate others, and to engage in social conflicts and aggression to satisfy their psychological needs.
These new findings help shed light on psychological mechanisms that motivate individuals to engage in violent political activism.
Regarding right-wing politics, narcissism has been shown to correlate with desires of social dominance. A study from 2013 uncovered that people who exhibited a high narcissism score were more likely to adopt authoritarian and social dominance-oriented attitudes. If these individuals believe in traditional conservative values, this leads them to embrace an authoritarian regime promoting socially and economically conservative policy positions. Narcissistic entitlement gives these individuals a strong belief that their traditional way of thinking and living is correct. They can seek to impose these beliefs on others through the political process.
Beyond the narcissistic politicians wielding charisma like weapons, we, the engaged audience, play a crucial role. To understand this dynamic, we must examine the underlying mechanisms. Only then can we truly understand the political landscape and the reason why many in our population conduct themselves the way they do.
