Abstract
Individuals high in narcissism have been shown to self-enhance through aggression after self-esteem threats. Research distinguishes between two types of narcissism: grandiose and vulnerable. The present study investigated spiteful punishment (punishments with the chief purpose to inflict harm) as a possible covert, aggressive self-enhancement method. Participants (N = 456) completed measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, and then either experienced a self-esteem threat or a control condition. Participants read a vignette about a transgressor and rated their endorsement of a series of punishments. Participants high in vulnerable narcissism endorsed more spiteful punishment compared to those lower in vulnerable narcissism, regardless of self-threat. This suggests that those high in vulnerable narcissism may have a base-line degree of covert antisocial self-enhancement.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
