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Through rose‐coloured glasses: An empirical test of narcissistic overestimation
Author(s) -
Lobbestael Jill,
Bruin Anique,
Kok Ellen,
Voncken Marisol
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
personality and mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1932-863X
pISSN - 1932-8621
DOI - 10.1002/pmh.1347
Subject(s) - rose (mathematics) , psychology , test (biology) , social psychology , psychoanalysis , mathematics , geometry , geology , paleontology
Background Grandiosity is designated as a hallmark trait of narcissism. The current study tested whether narcissistic traits are related to overestimation of a range of agentic performances. Method Eighty‐five non‐patients executed six objective tasks to assess their level of (emotional) intelligence, first impression, attractiveness, social skills and learning performance. They were also asked to estimate their level of functioning in these six areas. This estimation was given on two moments: before and after performing the objective tasks. Our main variable of interest was the degree to which subjective estimation exceeds objective scores. Results Narcissistic traits were related to overestimation of (emotional) intelligence, attractiveness and social skills, particularly at a global level before performing the tasks. Limitations The use of a homogenous student sample; Mainly agentic performances, were studied. Conclusion Overall, the findings provide a theoretical validation of unwarranted feelings of grandiosity as a core narcissistic criterion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.