An international study published in Self and Identity used one of the largest and most culturally diverse data sets on psychological traits. More than 45,000 people across 53 countries completed surveys measuring narcissism, which the researchers define as very high self‑esteem combined with relatively low empathy, an excessive focus on the self, and a low regard for others.
The researchers examined differences by age, gender and perceived social status, and they compared cross‑country factors such as individualism versus collectivism and gross domestic product (GDP). Across countries, younger adults scored higher on narcissism than older adults, and men scored higher than women.
The study also found a link between national wealth and narcissism: people from higher GDP countries tended to be more narcissistic. The team was surprised that collectivistic, group‑oriented countries did not show very different patterns from more individualistic societies. The authors suggest further work on how cultural and biological factors interact to shape personality.
Difficult words
- narcissism — a personality trait of very high focus on self
- empathy — ability to understand and share others' feelings
- individualism — a cultural style valuing personal independence and goals
- collectivism — a cultural style valuing group goals and cooperation
- gross domestic product — the total value of a country's goods and services
- survey — questionnaires people answer to give informationsurveys
- perceive — to think or see something in a particular wayperceived
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Discussion questions
- Do you think wealth affects personality in your country? Why or why not?
- Why might younger adults score higher on narcissism than older adults? Give one or two reasons.
- What could families or schools do to reduce excessive self-focus in young people?
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