A multiwave study on changes in narcissism.
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| Title: | A multiwave study on changes in narcissism. |
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| Authors: | Wetzel, Eunike (AUTHOR), Lüdtke, Oliver (AUTHOR), Gillath, Omri (AUTHOR), Fraley, R. Chris (AUTHOR), Roberts, Brent W. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | European Journal of Personality. Jul/Aug2026, Vol. 40 Issue 4, p977-995. 19p. |
| Subjects: | Personality change, Life change events, Longitudinal method, Narcissistic personality disorder, Work environment, Adult development |
| Abstract: | Previous longitudinal studies on changes in narcissism mostly investigated change over long periods of time in samples consisting of young adults at the first wave. Thus, little is known about how narcissism changes in the short term and in adults of all ages. This study addresses these questions by tracking changes in narcissism over multiple assessments covering a period of approximately 2 years in a sample of adults aged 18 to 80 at the first wave (N = 3,599). Furthermore, we investigated whether narcissism predicted life events and life experiences from different domains and how changes in narcissism were related to these events and experiences. On average, participants decreased slightly on overall narcissism and three narcissism facets over 2 years. Narcissism predicted several life events and experiences, especially from the work (e.g., receiving a promotion) and relationship domains (e.g., breaking up with one's partner). Several events were related to changes in narcissism; such as starting to date someone new and breaking up with one's partner. Future confirmatory research testing these associations in a large sample with more frequent measurements is needed. Plain language summary: People high on narcissism tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. In addition, they often show a need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy. Previous studies looking at how narcissism changes mainly focused on long periods and changes in young adults. As a result, we know less about short-term changes in narcissism or how it changes in adults of different ages. This study examined these issues by tracking changes in narcissism over about 2 years in a sample of 3,599 adults aged 18 to 80. We also looked at whether narcissism predicted life events and experiences and how changes in narcissism were connected to these events and experiences. On average, participants showed a slight decrease in overall narcissism and its three facets over 2 years. Narcissism was linked to several life events and experiences, particularly in the domains of work (like getting a promotion) and relationships (such as breaking up with a partner). Some events were connected to changes in narcissism. For instance, starting a new relationship and breaking up with a partner were both linked to a smaller decrease in the leadership aspect of narcissism. Future studies should investigate these research questions with more frequent measurements of narcissism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Previous longitudinal studies on changes in narcissism mostly investigated change over long periods of time in samples consisting of young adults at the first wave. Thus, little is known about how narcissism changes in the short term and in adults of all ages. This study addresses these questions by tracking changes in narcissism over multiple assessments covering a period of approximately 2 years in a sample of adults aged 18 to 80 at the first wave (N = 3,599). Furthermore, we investigated whether narcissism predicted life events and life experiences from different domains and how changes in narcissism were related to these events and experiences. On average, participants decreased slightly on overall narcissism and three narcissism facets over 2 years. Narcissism predicted several life events and experiences, especially from the work (e.g., receiving a promotion) and relationship domains (e.g., breaking up with one's partner). Several events were related to changes in narcissism; such as starting to date someone new and breaking up with one's partner. Future confirmatory research testing these associations in a large sample with more frequent measurements is needed. Plain language summary: People high on narcissism tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are superior to others. In addition, they often show a need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy. Previous studies looking at how narcissism changes mainly focused on long periods and changes in young adults. As a result, we know less about short-term changes in narcissism or how it changes in adults of different ages. This study examined these issues by tracking changes in narcissism over about 2 years in a sample of 3,599 adults aged 18 to 80. We also looked at whether narcissism predicted life events and experiences and how changes in narcissism were connected to these events and experiences. On average, participants showed a slight decrease in overall narcissism and its three facets over 2 years. Narcissism was linked to several life events and experiences, particularly in the domains of work (like getting a promotion) and relationships (such as breaking up with a partner). Some events were connected to changes in narcissism. For instance, starting a new relationship and breaking up with a partner were both linked to a smaller decrease in the leadership aspect of narcissism. Future studies should investigate these research questions with more frequent measurements of narcissism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 08902070 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/08902070261422631 |
