Material Meaning: Narcissists Gain Existential Benefits From Extrinsic Goals
Abstract
The present research examined how narcissism is related to perceptions of meaning derived from distinct types of life goals, namely, extrinsic and intrinsic. Although in most cases extrinsic goals are inversely associated with well-being, we propose that narcissists’ pursuit of extrinsic goals (e.g., wealth, fame) is positively linked to meaning in life. In Study 1, higher levels of narcissism corresponded with viewing extrinsic goals as more meaningful. In Study 2, focusing participants on the extrinsic, relative to intrinsic, value of their goal pursuit increased meaning among narcissists. Taken together, narcissists derive meaning from extrinsic goals.
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Narcissists attribute higher importance to acquiring leadership, fame, and wealth than nonnarcissists.
“Narcissists also attribute higher importance to acquiring leadership, fame, and wealth than nonnarcissists (Abeyta, Routledge, & Sedikides, 2017).”
From The "Why" and "How" of Narcissism: A Process Model of Narcissistic Status Pursuit (2020) · cites this paper as Abeyta, Routledge, & Sedikides, 2017
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References 71 · Cited by 46
- Authors
- Abeyta, A. A., Routledge, C., & Sedikides, C.
- Affiliations
- North Dakota State University (US)
- University of Southampton (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Abeyta, Andrew A.
- Venue
- Social Psychological and Personality Science
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2016-09-24
- Volume
- 8
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 219-228
- ISSN
- 1948-5506 (ISSN-L)
- 1948-5514
- OpenAlex
- W2519790139
- Cited by
- 46
- References
- 71
- Citations by year
- 2025: 6 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 3
- FWCI
- 6.70
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Social Psychological and Personality Science (publishedVersion)
- Rutgers University Community Repository (Rutgers University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
- Keywords
- narcissism, meaning in life, extrinsic goals, intrinsic goals, goal pursuit, well-being, wealth, fame
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