A fascinating new study claims people who have narcissistic traits are less likely to experience depression or high levels of stress. Researchers say this may be because narcissists have a higher chance of being more "mentally tough". A team from Queen's University Belfast conducted the study.
Narcissism is generally viewed by the majority of the public as being negative. However, Dr Kostas Papageorgiou, Director of the InteRRaCt Lab in the School of Psychology at Queen's, believes the personality trait may have more benefits than we realise. Dr Papageorgiou has conducted extensive research on narcissism and psychopathology. He has conducted two papers on the subjects in Personality and Individual Differences and European Psychiatry.
"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," Dr Papageorgiou told a news portal. Adding, "Individuals high on the spectrum of dark traits, such as narcissism, engage in risky behaviour, hold an unrealistic superior view of themselves, are overconfident, show little empathy for others, and have little shame or guilt.
Dr Papageorgiou further explained: "However, what this research has questioned is -- if narcissism, as an example of the dark tetrad, is indeed so socially toxic, why does it persist and why is it on the rise in modern societies?"
Researchers analysed three independent studies that included 700 adults. Some of the findings revealed how narcissism has positive aspects, like being able to be resilient against psychopathology. One of the major findings of the study was that people who have grandiose narcissism were found to be tougher, which may help protect against symptoms of depression. People with this type of narcissism were also found to have low levels of stress.
"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," Dr Papageorgiou told a news portal. Adding,"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."
However, the team notes that further research is needed to examine such personality traits. Dr Papageorgiou explained: "While of course not all dimensions of narcissism are good, certain aspects can lead to positive outcomes.
"This work promotes diversity and inclusiveness of people and ideas by advocating that dark traits, such as narcissism, should not be seen as either good or bad, but as products of evolution and expressions of human nature that may be beneficial or harmful depending on the context.
"This move forward may help to reduce the marginalisation of individuals that score higher than average on the dark traits. It could also facilitate the development of research-informed suggestions on how best to cultivate some manifestations of these traits, while discouraging others, for the collective good."
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