New directions in narcissistic aggression: The role of the self-concept on group-based aggression

Abstract

Narcissism is a construct that has been studied in the context of aggression. Narcissistic aggression typically emerges following ego-provocations, suggesting that the narcissistic ego is sensitive to insults. However, what defines a narcissistic ego may vary across individuals. Some may define themselves through agentic and individualistic qualities, whereas others define themselves through a communal framework or group identity. Thus, how narcissistic individuals define themselves may impact which ego-relevant domains become sensitive, and those domains may be relevant in predicting different forms (e.g., group-based vs. interpersonal) of aggression. Here, we review the literature on three types of narcissism: individual, collective, and communal. We argue that, although previously dismissed, narcissism is a critical component in terrorism ideology, when it takes on a communal or "sacred" form. If the central focus of a narcissistic identity is the sacred values of a group, rather than agentic individualism, then perceptions of insult toward those sacred values should elicit aggression. This aggression should be especially pronounced in the narcissistic individual, possibly taking the form of terrorism. Indeed, emerging research has demonstrated that overconfidence in one's religious knowledge is linked with support for religious terrorism. In summary, narcissism may take on different forms depending on the definition of the narcissistic individual's ego. Thus, depending on how narcissistic individuals define themselves, such individuals may pose group-based vs. interpersonal threats, following provocations in those respective domains.