Narcissistic neuroticism and elevated reward learning. (15th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spencer, Christopher C.; Foster, Joshua D.; Bedwell, Jeffrey S.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 141(2019)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 240
• Publication Date: 2019-04-15
• Subjects: Grandiose narcissism -- Vulnerable narcissism -- Reward learning -- Five-factor narcissism inventory -- Probabilistic reward task; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.01.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Narcissism can be conceptualized as a combination of maladaptive variants of Five-Factor Model facets which load onto three of the five factors—antagonism (i.e., low agreeableness), agentic extraversion, and narcissistic neuroticism. Much research examines approach and avoidance motivations in narcissism; however, few studies assess these processes beyond self-report. In this study we examined how antagonism, agentic extraversion, and narcissistic neuroticism relate to reward learning—thought to be a component of approach motivation. A sample of 73 nonpsychiatric participants (71% female) completed a behavioral computer-administered probabilistic reward learning task involving monetary winnings. Narcissism was measured using the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI), which is a measure of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism using meta-analytically related Five-Factor Model facets that were modified to reflect narcissistic themes. Results indicated that narcissistic neuroticism related to greater average reward learning (i.e., response bias) across the task. Examination at the facet level indicated that FFNI Need for Admiration was the only facet that related significantly to response bias. This finding suggests that vulnerable narcissists may be more responsive to positive self-relevant feedback because of an increased sensitivity and ability to learn implicitly from reward.