What is a Pro-Social Narcissist?
FRIDAY, July 26, 2024.
In the world of personality psychology, the term "narcissist" often conjures images of folks with grandiose self-views, a lack of empathy, and a penchant for exploiting others.
However, the concept of a pro-social narcissist introduces a nuanced perspective, where narcissistic traits sufficiently align with socially beneficial behaviors.
Understanding this subtype of narcissism requires a deep dive into the interplay between self-interest and social contribution.
Defining the Pro-Social Narcissist
A pro-social narcissist is an individual who exhibits classic narcissistic traits—such as a strong sense of self-importance and a desire for admiration—while simultaneously engaging in behaviors that benefit others. Unlike their more exploitative counterparts, pro-social narcissists channel their need for recognition into actions that gain social approval and contribute positively to their communities.
Characteristics of Pro-Social Narcissists
Pro-social narcissists often display the following characteristics:
Leadership and Charisma: They are often found in leadership positions where their charisma and self-confidence can inspire and motivate others. Narcissism and leadership co-exist because belief curbs fear and uncertainty.
Altruism with an Agenda: Their altruistic acts are often strategically designed to enhance their own status and gain admiration.
High Social Intelligence: They possess a keen understanding of social dynamics and use this to navigate and influence social interactions effectively.
Empathy for Influence: While they may lack deep empathy, they can exhibit sufficient surface-level empathy to build rapport and trust.
Social Science Research on Pro-Social Narcissism
Grijalva and Zhang's Findings
Research in social psychology provides insight into socially beneficial narcissists.
A study by Grijalva and Zhang (2016) explores how narcissistic folks can sometimes exhibit prosocial behavior when it aligns with their goals of self-enhancement and social approval. This dual motivation helps explain why some narcissists can be both self-centered and socially beneficial.
Zitek and Jordan's Insights
Further research by Zitek and Jordan (2020) suggests that narcissists' desire for social status can drive socially beneficial narcissists to engage in behaviors that appear altruistic, especially in contexts where such behavior is rewarded with recognition and admiration.
This aligns with findings that suggest pro-social narcissists are adept at leveraging their social contributions to elevate their own status. Empathy and narcissism can sometimes blend flavors in a marinade of social approval.
Konrath's Research on Empathy and Narcissism
Sara Konrath's extensive research on empathy and narcissism offers critical insights into understanding the complex relationship between these traits. Konrath et al. (2011) examined trends in empathy among American college students over three decades and found a significant decline in empathetic concern and perspective-taking. Simultaneously, there was an increase in narcissistic traits.
Konrath's research indicates that while narcissists typically lack deep, genuine empathy, they can display empathic behaviors when they serve their self-interest.
This shallow, surface-level empathy, or "emotional intelligence," allows pro-social narcissists to navigate social situations effectively, gaining trust and admiration while pursuing their goals. Pro-social personality traits have a measurable upside.
Konrath's work also explores how interventions aimed at increasing empathy can impact narcissistic behaviors.
Programs that promote perspective-taking and emotional connection can potentially mitigate the more harmful aspects of narcissism, fostering a form of pro-social behavior that benefits both the individual and society.
The behavior of pro-social narcissists is often contingent on the social context. In environments where altruistic behavior is highly valued and rewarded, pro-social narcissists are more likely to engage in actions that benefit others. This contrasts with environments where selfish behavior is more advantageous, which may not bring out their pro-social tendencies.
Implications for Understanding Altruistic Narcissism
Recognizing the existence of pro-social narcissists challenges the monolithic view of narcissism as purely destructive. It underscores the complexity of human behavior and the potential for narcissistic traits to be harnessed for social good.
This nuanced understanding has implications for both psychological research and practical applications, such as leadership development and organizational behavior.
Final thoughts
The concept of a pro-social narcissist broadens our understanding of narcissism by highlighting how narcissistic traits can sometimes lead to socially beneficial outcomes.
Let’s invest some research dollars to examine the characteristics, motivations, and social contexts shaping altruistic narcissism. This will give us a more comprehensive view of this personality trait.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES
Grijalva, E., & Zhang, L. (2016). Narcissism and Prosocial Behavior: The Moderating Role of Pro-Social Orientation. Journal of Social Psychology, 156(1), 14-22.
Konrath, S., O'Brien, E. H., & Hsing, C. (2011). Changes in Dispositional Empathy in American College Students Over Time: A Meta-Analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15(2), 180-198.
Zitek, E. M., & Jordan, A. H. (2020). Narcissism Predicts Support for Hierarchy (At Least When Narcissists Think They Can Rise to the Top). Social Psychological and Personality Science, 11(2), 179-187.
