Citation

Vazire S, Funder DC. Pers. Soc. Psychol. Rev. 2006; 10(2): 154-165.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA. simine@mail.utexas.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1207/s15327957pspr1002_4

PMID

16768652

Abstract

Currently prominent models of narcissism (e.g., Morf and Rhodewalt, 2001) primarily explain narcissists' self-defeating behaviors in terms of conscious cognitive and affective processes. We propose that the disposition of impulsivity may also play an important role. We offer 2 forms of evidence. First, we present a meta-analysis demonstrating a strong positive relationship between narcissism and impulsivity. Second, we review and reinterpret the literature on 3 hallmarks of narcissism: self-enhancement, aggression, and negative long-term outcomes. Our reinterpretation argues that impulsivity provides a more parsimonious explanation for at least some of narcissists' self-defeating behavior than do existing models. These 2 sources of evidence suggest that narcissists' quest for the status and recognition they so intensely desire is thwarted, in part, by their lack of the self-control necessary to achieve those goals.

Language: en