Does Self-Love Lead to Love for Others? A Story of Narcissistic Game Playing
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Short Title:
J Pers Soc Psychol.
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
Nov 30, 2001
Pages:
340 - 354
Sources ID:
113831
Collection:
Social Connection and Well-being
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
Five studies investigated the links among narcissism, self-esteem, and love. Across all studies, narcissism was associated primarily with a game-playing love style. This link was found in reports of general love styles (Study 1a) and of love in ongoing romantic relationships (Studies 1b–3, 5). Narcissists’ game- playing love style was the result of a need for power and autonomy (Study 2) and was linked with greater relationship alternatives and lesser commitment (Study 3). Finally, narcissists’ self-reports of game playing were confirmed by their partners in past and current relationships (Studies 4, 5). In contrast, self-esteem was negatively linked to manic love and positively linked to passionate love across studies. Implications for the understanding of narcissism in relationships are discussed.