While being ostracized might be part of everyday life in high school, however painful it might be, it’s not something any of us should have to face. Even those who might not elicit our empathy. But narcissists concede to typically feeling more ostracized than the rest of us.
New research in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology examines the tangled relationship between narcissism and feelings of ostracism. The paper’s authors found that those living with higher levels of narcissism admit to feeling excluded much more often than their less narcissistic counterparts.
“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,” lead author Christiane Büttner, PhD, of the University of Basel, explained. “Our findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of narcissism are more sensitive to exclusion cues, leading them to perceive ostracism more frequently.”
The research team singled out three crucial components that drive this:
- Heightened sensitivity to social cues.
- Disruptive behaviors that provoke exclusion.
- And a cyclical relationship where ostracism reinforces narcissistic traits as time goes on.
Methodology
The researchers based their results on a series of seven studies that relied on a variety of approaches.
The first two studies explored the relationship between narcissism and ostracism using surveys and experience sampling.
Subsequent research examined how narcissists perceive ambiguous social interactions and how others respond to narcissistic traits, both explicitly and implicitly.
The final study used a long-term panel design to investigate the reciprocal effects of narcissism and ostracism over time.
The Role of Perception
Narcissists tend to be particularly sensitive to social cues. They’re quick to see exclusion even if it’s not there – or at least not there intentionally.
For example, narcissists might feel ostracized when they’re left out of group chats, not included in social media posts, or notice a lack of eye contact from their peers – regardless of intent.
According to the study, high-level narcissists are more likely to interpret vague social cues in the worst way because of their heightened vigilance and fixation on social status. This hypersensitivity convinces them to see exclusion where it might not exist.
The Price of Disruptive Behavior
Setting aside perception (and misconceptions), the researchers also discovered that narcissists’ behaviors typically play a part in fueling their feelings of exclusion. Narcissists might exhibit traits such as hostility, aggression, and a lack of empathy, which can shake up group dynamics. Their self-centered focus on personal status – over group cohesion – normally stirs up conflicts, prompting others to ostracize them as a form of social regulation.
The study found that those with pronounced narcissistic traits appeared to be more likely to face exclusion when their personality traits emerge through brief interactions.
The Cycle of Exclusion
The research also uncovers a relationship between narcissism and ostracism that runs both ways. Over time, repeated experiences of exclusion can reinforce narcissistic tendencies.
One longitudinal analysis (spanning 14 years) found that increases in ostracism preceded increases in narcissistic traits – and vice versa. This feedback loop suggests that exclusion isn’t just a result of narcissistic behavior. It also adds to the crystallization of narcissistic traits, fueling a self-perpetuating cycle.
Implications for Social Dynamics and Interventions
This research underscores the importance of understanding the reciprocal nature of social experiences and personality traits.
“If people with high narcissistic traits are more likely to feel and be excluded, this could contribute to escalating tensions in workplaces or social groups. At the same time, their heightened sensitivity to exclusion might make them more likely to react aggressively,” Büttner added. “These findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving interpersonal relationships and reducing social friction should consider both the perceptions and behaviors of the individuals involved.”
Additionally, fostering awareness of how social exclusion can impact personality traits could lead to more inclusive group practices.
This paper offers valuable insight into how personality traits and social experiences intersect. While narcissists might be more prone to experiencing and reporting ostracism (based on their perceptions and behaviors), addressing these patterns through targeted interventions can help foster healthier social environments and more productive relationships.
Further Reading
Narcissistic Patients: Understanding and Managing Feelings and Behaviors
The Intersection of ChatGPT and Reddit: A New Avenue for Support of Abuse Survivors?
