A multidimensional model of collective narcissism

Abstract

The impact of collective narcissism on intergroup and intragroup relations has seen a recent surge in attention. Since collective narcissism is a relatively new topic of study, with only a single published measure, its structure and composition require further investigation. A pilot study investigated a multidimensional model of collective narcissism and identified four factors: entitlement/exploitativeness, dominance/arrogance, apathy, and admiration. Study 1 (a) provided construct, convergent, and discriminant validity and (b) demonstrated that the factors differentially predict various responses in the intergroup context. Study 2 demonstrated the four‐factor solution's statistical and theoretical superiority to a single‐factor solution when predicting behavior in the intergroup context. Studies 3 and 4 supported the importance of a multidimensional structure to predict intergroup and intragroup behavior. Study 3 revealed that apathy and entitlement/exploitativeness were particularly responsible for negative intergroup and intragroup responses after ingroup failure, whereas Study 4 demonstrated that dominance/arrogance was critical to understand ingroup‐enhancing responses. This multidimensional framework contributes theoretical clarity and nuance to the range of narcissistic motivations and responses in the group context. We discuss the importance of a multidimensional approach to collective narcissism and outline its complex relation with a number of intergroup processes, including group identification, ingroup loyalty, and outgroup hostility.