Narcissism has become a major topic of interest in recent years, as the trait seems to be on the rise and can have seriously detrimental effects on relationships. Narcissism is characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a need for excessive admiration. Some key questions regarding narcissism include:
Is narcissism more common in men or women?
Does narcissism increase with age?
Which professions tend to attract more narcissists?
Is narcissism hereditary or shaped more by environment?
This article will analyze research on narcissism and who is more likely to exhibit narcissistic traits based on gender, age, profession, and other factors. Understanding the prevalence of narcissism across different demographics can provide insight into what may contribute to the development of narcissism.
Narcissism in Men vs. Women
One of the most common beliefs regarding narcissism is that it is more common in men than women. But does research actually support this assumption? Several major studies have compared narcissism rates across genders:
NIH Study
In a large NIH study, men on average scored higher on narcissism than women across all adult age groups. The difference was small but consistent, with men scoring about 0.2-0.3 points higher on narcissism assessments than women.
University of Michigan Study
A University of Michigan study of over 4500 individuals also found higher rates of narcissism in men. 13% of men but only 6% of women were determined to have very inflated self-views.
Berkeley Longitudinal Study
A study that tracked over 1000 individuals from age 18 to their 30s found that men tended to exhibit narcissistic traits earlier in life but narcissism levels converged in men and women by later adulthood.
Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis of 352 studies found a small overall effect size linking higher narcissism to being male.
Big Five Model
The well-established Big Five model of personality traits categorizes narcissism under “Agreeableness”. Women consistently score higher on Agreeableness than men.
| Study | Main Finding |
|---|---|
| NIH Study | Men scored 0.2-0.3 points higher in narcissism |
| University of Michigan | 13% of men vs 6% of women very inflated self-views |
| Berkeley Longitudinal | Men higher earlier, converged later |
| Meta-Analysis | Small effect linking narcissism to males |
| Big Five Model | Women score higher in Agreeableness |
Based on multiple large studies, experts widely agree that men are more likely to exhibit narcissistic traits and personality disorder than women, though the difference is not enormous. Socialization is likely a major factor, as men are often encouraged to be more confident, dominant and achieve status. But biological factors may also play a role, such as testosterone. Regardless of the exact causes, the data shows narcissism manifesting more prominently in males.
Does Narcissism Increase with Age?
Conventional wisdom often assumes that older individuals tend be more stubborn, self-centered and set in their ways. But narcissism correlates much more strongly with one’s generation or era rather than age. studies find minimal changes in narcissism levels as people get older.
No Change Over Age Theory
Many experts believe levels of narcissism are set early in life and remain largely stable over the lifespan. For example, a University of Illinois study found no appreciable changes in narcissism levels between ages 21 and 70. Individual narcissism levels followed set trajectories.
Berkeley Longitudinal Study
This study measured narcissism in over 1000 subjects from age 18 through the 30s. While narcissism manifested differently across age and gender, overall prevalence did not increase with age.
Mature Narcissism
There is a phenomenon called “mature narcissism” – older narcissists tend to redirect their need for validation toward family rather than career or beauty. But the overall degree of narcissism remains unchanged.
Generational Differences
While narcissism does not physiologically increase with age, certain generations exhibit higher narcissism. Younger generations appear more narcissistic likely due to shifting cultural values.
CEO Narcissism
A study showed decrease in some narcissistic traits for CEOs over age 60. But narcissism remained very pronounced relative to general population.
| Study/Theory | Main Finding |
|---|---|
| No Change Over Age | Narcissism remains stable over lifespan |
| Berkeley Longitudinal | No increase in narcissism from 18 to 30s |
| Mature Narcissism | Narcissism manifests differently but stays stable |
| Generational Differences | Younger gens more narcissistic |
| CEO Narcissism | Slight decrease after 60 but still very high |
The common belief that people get more self-absorbed and narcissistic as a normal part of aging is not grounded in strong evidence. Narcissism remains relatively stable over one’s lifespan and has more to do with generational differences.
Narcissism by Profession
Are certain professions more likely to attract narcissistic individuals? Research indicates some job categories correlate with higher narcissism levels:
CEOs and Management
Multiple studies have shown CEOs and upper management demonstrate more narcissistic traits on average. Seeking prestigious leadership roles correlates strongly with narcissism.
Lawyers
Lawyers score very high in narcissism assessments due to high competitiveness, perceived prestige and manipulation of the system. One study showed lawyers had more narcissism by far than mental health professionals.
Surgeons
Surgeons also exhibit higher narcissism levels, which some researchers speculate may help them handle high stakes surgery. The high status and God-like responsibility correlates with narcissistic ego.
Police Officers
Seeking power roles in criminal justice relates to higher narcissism. Police also demonstrate lower empathy and aloofness.
Salespeople
The charm, persuasiveness and slight manipulation of sales correlates with modestly above average narcissism.
TV and Radio Hosts
Seeking the spotlight relates directly to narcissists’ need for attention and admiration. Talk show hosts unsurprisingly show very high degrees of narcissism.
| Profession | Narcissism Level |
|---|---|
| CEOs/Management | Very High |
| Lawyers | Extremely High |
| Surgeons | High |
| Police Officers | Above Average |
| Salespeople | Above Average |
| TV/Radio Hosts | Extremely High |
These patterns demonstrate how narcissism manifests in certain high power, high prestige occupations. Professions that offer status, authority, and attention provide platforms for narcissism to thrive.
Is Narcissism Hereditary?
To what degree is narcissism passed down genetically versus shaped by environment and experiences? Research shows narcissism is moderately heritable but not deterministically genetic:
Heritability Estimates
Twin studies and other heritability research consistently estimate 40-60% of variation in narcissism can be attributed to genetic factors. The remaining variation depends on environment.
Parental Warmth
Parental coldness and lack of warmth correlates strongly with narcissism in offspring. This points to environmental influence.
Role Modeling
Having narcissistic parents or role models also correlates with higher narcissism. The selfish values are transmitted to children.
Inconsistent Parenting
The sons of inconsistent, erratic parents exhibit more narcissism. They turn inward to compensate for unreliable parents.
Intelligence
Narcissists often have high verbal intelligence. This points to an innate, genetic component influencing development.
Big Five Traits
The inheritance patterns of the Big Five traits related to narcissism also demonstrate partial genetic components.
| Factor | Degree of Influence |
|---|---|
| Heritability Estimates | 40-60% Genetic |
| Parental Warmth | Strong Environmental Influence |
| Narcissistic Role Models | Environmental Influence |
| Inconsistent Parenting | Environmental Influence |
| Intelligence | Genetic Component |
| Big Five Traits | Partial Genetic Component |
In summary, while genetics play a clear role, environmental influences in childhood also substantially affect development of narcissism. The trait results from a combination of nature and nurture.
Demographic Patterns of Narcissism
Besides the factors already discussed, narcissism correlates with some other demographic variables:
Education
Narcissism increases moderately with education level. Narcissism is linked to intelligence and prestige that comes with more education.
SES/Income
Controlling for education, higher family income correlates with narcissism as well, likely due to greater sense of entitlement.
Individualistic Cultures
People from highly individualistic, competitive cultures (e.g. United States) tend be more narcissistic. Collectivist Asia ranks lowest.
Creativity
Creative professions that affirm a sense of uniqueness are linked with more narcissism. Examples include arts, writing and entertainment.
Social Networks
Heavy social media use is associated with narcissism, as it provides attention and allows self-promotion.
| Demographic Factor | Narcissism Level |
|---|---|
| Education | Increases moderately |
| SES/Income | Increases moderately |
| Individualistic Culture | Higher in US than Asia |
| Creative Professions | Above Average |
| Social Media Use | Correlates Positively |
These cultural, social and lifestyle factors relate to different degrees of narcissism across groups.
Conclusion
In summary, narcissism is complex and multifaceted but certain key patterns arise in the data. While more pronounced in men, narcissism can manifest across genders, especially in recent generations.Professions and contexts that reinforce narcissism continue enabling it. But biology plays a reinforcing role as well. No single demographic factor determines a narcissistic personality. The development of narcissism depends on the specific interaction of social, cultural, familial and genetic forces. Ongoing research is required to further disentangle the web of influences that shape narcissistic behavior.