Emotional experiences in vulnerable and grandiose narcissism: Anger and mood in neutral and anger evoking situations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives: This paper presents four independent studies examining emotional experiences in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism across neutral and anger-evoking situations, controlling for the shared variance between neuroticism and vulnerable narcissism. Methods: In Study 1 and 2, we explored the associations of vulnerable and grandiose narcissism with temporary anger and mood in neutral situations. In Study 3 and 4, we examined participants' responses to induced anger and provocation, respectively. Results & Conclusions: Across conditions, vulnerable narcissism was associated with higher baseline anger and worse mood, while grandiose narcissism was related to a better mood. Our results suggest that narcissism shapes individual emotional experience. However, it is not connected with any specific emotional reactions in anger-evoking situations.