Social rejection could worsen narcissists’ behavior: Study

Truth to be told, ‘Mean Girls’ isn’t just fiction - because, in reality, you can find Regina George almost everywhere, if you pay attention!
While it might be a popular belief to think that narcissists are self-absorbed, a new study has revealed that they care deeply about others’ opinions.

Narcissism is a personality style characterized by an excessive focus on oneself and one's own needs. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that involves an extreme sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy.
A narcissist is someone who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance and needs constant admiration. They may also have difficulty understanding or caring about how others feel.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can cause a range of symptoms, including an exaggerated sense of self-importance, exploitation of others, and a lack of empathy.
Sense of self-importance Having an exaggerated sense of self-worth, Expecting special treatment or privileges, Believing they are superior to others, and Bragging or exaggerating their achievements.


A new study has found grandiose narcissists are not only more likely to feel ostracized but are also genuinely excluded more often than those with less egocentric personalities.
The study, published Thursday in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, examined 77,000 participants across multiple studies, controlled experiments, and real-world scenarios, to identify why narcissists experience higher levels of exclusion.
According to the lead author Christiane Büttner, PhD, of the University of Basel, "Feeling ostracized is a subjective experience based on the perception of social cues by the individual. Some may be intentionally ostracized, while others may merely believe they are being excluded when that's not the case. Our findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of narcissism are more sensitive to exclusion cues, leading them to perceive ostracism more frequently."

The researchers conducted a two-week study with 323 participants to confirm these findings. These individuals completed narcissism assessments and reported past feelings of ostracism. For the next 14 days, they logged moments when they felt excluded or neglected using a mobile app. This approach allowed researchers to capture real-time data, minimizing memory biases that could distort retrospective reports.
As per Büttner, "Participants with higher narcissism scores reported feeling excluded more frequently in daily life, aligning with our earlier survey results."
Interestingly, the researchers also found evidence that the relationship between narcissism and social exclusion works both ways. Exclusion fuels narcissism over time. A 14-year study found that feelings of ostracism predicted increases in narcissistic traits a year later, reinforcing a self-perpetuating cycle of rejection and entitlement.
As Büttner explained, "Narcissism may contribute to social exclusion, but ostracism itself can also fuel the development of narcissistic traits.”

To control narcissistic behavior, the most effective approach is to seek professional therapy, where you can identify the root causes of your narcissistic tendencies, learn coping mechanisms, and develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior through techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).

Key points to keep in mind:
Self-awareness: Recognize your narcissistic traits and how they impact your relationships with others.
Identify triggers: Understand situations or emotions that tend to trigger narcissistic behaviors.
Empathy practice: Actively try to see things from other people's perspectives and understand their feelings.
Challenge negative thoughts: Question your self-centered beliefs and replace them with more realistic and balanced thinking.
Set boundaries: Establish clear limits in your interactions and stick to them, even when it's challenging.
Active listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and try to genuinely understand their concerns.
Accept responsibility: Acknowledge your mistakes and take ownership of your actions without blaming others.
Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to regulate your emotions.
Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your struggles with narcissistic behavior.