When Narcissism Meets Activism: The Surprising Role of Ego in LGBTQ and Gender Identity Advocacy
Monday, December 23, 2024.
Activism is often seen as a beacon of altruism—a noble cause championed by individuals committed to making the world a better place.
But what happens when ego crashes the party?
Research published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior has unearthed some intriguing findings: narcissistic grandiosity, a hallmark of certain dark personality traits, appears to predict greater involvement in LGBTQ and gender identity activism.
Cue the raised eyebrows.
Before you panic-text your activist friend group or rethink your own involvement, let’s break this down with a mix of humor, warmth, and a splash of psychological nuance.
Enter the Dark-Ego-Vehicle Principle (DEVP)
Imagine activism as a shiny sports car. Most people hop in to help others, maybe give the world a smoother ride. But some, researchers Ann Krispenz and Alex Bertrams suggest, might rev the engine for more self-serving reasons.
This idea, dubbed the "dark-ego-vehicle principle," posits that folks with "dark" personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, or sadism—sometimes hitch a ride on the activism train to fulfill their own ego-driven needs. Think of it as activism with a side of selfie sticks.
Narcissists, in particular, are drawn to the limelight, and highly visible causes like LGBTQ and gender identity activism offer plenty of opportunities to shine. But does this mean all activism is secretly powered by personal glory? Not quite. Let’s take a closer look.
The Research: What’s Under the Hood?
Two studies explored this phenomenon:
Study 1: Narcissism and LGBTQ Activism
Researchers surveyed 446 U.S. participants on traits like narcissistic grandiosity, altruism, and involvement in activism. They also assessed tendencies toward virtue signaling (moral grandstanding) and social dominance (a fancy way of saying, “I’m in charge here”).
The results? Narcissistic grandiosity was significantly linked to greater activism involvement.
Surprisingly, this wasn’t about domination—it was more about the allure of public applause. Virtue signaling emerged as the bridge connecting narcissistic traits to activism.
In other words, for some, activism became the perfect stage for flaunting moral superiority.
Study 2: Extending to Gender Identity Activism
In a second study involving 837 participants from the UK, researchers shifted their focus to gender identity activism. The findings mirrored the first study: narcissistic grandiosity was again associated with higher participation, with virtue signaling taking center stage as the motivator.
The Good, the Bad, and the Selfie-Worthy
Let’s be clear: narcissism is hardly the default setting for all activists. Many are driven by empathy, genuine concern, and a deep desire to create change. However, the DEVP highlights that motivations can be complex—and sometimes a bit self-serving.
Why Does This Matter?
For Activism: Movements can suffer when dominated by ego-driven folks. Resources might be mismanaged, or public support could wane if the focus shifts from the cause to personal agendas.
For Communities: Understanding these dynamics helps safeguard the integrity of advocacy work. Minority groups, in particular, can protect themselves by recognizing potential "enemies within" who prioritize self-interest over collective goals.
What About Psychopathy?
The studies also dipped a toe into the murky waters of psychopathy.
While there was some connection between psychopathy and LGBTQ activism in the first study, it didn’t hold up in the second. Researchers speculated that certain behaviors—like extreme calls for action during pride rallies—might attract folks with psychopathic tendencies, but more research is needed to unpack these findings.
Activism Is Not Narcissism (But It’s Complicated)
Lest we veer into cynicism, it’s worth reiterating: activism isn’t inherently narcissistic.
Many activists work tirelessly and authentically for their causes. But as Krispenz and Bertrams noted, activism can attract those with ulterior motives—those who see a movement as a platform for their personal brand.
The takeaway? Scrutinize actions, not just words. Genuine activism builds bridges, while ego-driven efforts might inadvertently burn them.
What’s Next for the DEVP?
The researchers are just getting started. Future studies aim to explore:
The applicability of the DEVP in other forms of activism (e.g., environmental or political).
Whether narcissistic individuals stick around when the spotlight dims.
How different "dark" traits manifest across various activist spaces.
Why This Research Matters
In an age of virtue signaling and hashtag activism, understanding the motives behind participation is crucial. This doesn’t mean calling out every activist as a narcissist. Instead, it’s about recognizing that motivations are layered, and sometimes the loudest voices aren’t the most altruistic ones.
So, the next time you see someone passionately waving a rainbow flag or championing gender rights, remember: their reasons might be as colorful as the cause itself. And that’s okay—as long as the movement moves forward.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Real (and Humble)
Activism thrives on authenticity.
Whether you’re marching for equality, planting trees, or simply supporting a friend, let your actions speak louder than your Instagram posts.
After all, the real power of activism lies in its ability to unite, uplift, and inspire—not just to shine a spotlight on ourselves.
And if you happen to spot a little narcissism in the mix? Well, let’s just say it keeps things... interesting.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Krispenz, A., & Bertrams, A. (2024). Further evidence for the Dark-Ego-Vehicle Principle: Higher pathological narcissistic grandiosity and virtue signaling are related to greater involvement in LGBQ and gender identity activism. Archives of Sexual Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-024-02134-0