Unveiling the Dynamics of Narcissistic Fluctuations and the Affective Cycles in Narcissism

Abstract

Fluctuations in narcissism are well-known but understudied phenomena. Existing studies evaluated how state agentic and neurotic narcissism interplay. However, they have overlooked antagonistic narcissism. This paper addresses this gap and presents data from an intensive longitudinal study (N = 199; k = 7,991 responses). Using dynamic structural equation modeling, we assessed fluctuations in narcissism and how they are related to fluctuations in momentary affect. We found that increases in antagonistic narcissism predicted subsequent increases in agentic and neurotic narcissism and vice versa, highlighting the central role of antagonism in the fluctuation process. Furthermore, we shed light on how fluctuations in momentary affective states can predict fluctuations in narcissistic states. Greater inertia (i.e., time needed for returning to personal equilibrium) in positive affect preceded inertia of agentic narcissism, while greater inertia in negative affect preceded inertia of neurotic narcissism. Fluctuations from agentic to antagonistic narcissism, as well as the inertia of antagonistic narcissism, were associated with fluctuations from positive to negative affect. Our findings show that these changes in narcissism occur in a specific sequence: from agentic to antagonistic, and finally to neurotic narcissism. The results provide novel insights into the complex interplay between narcissism and affectivity, aligning with theoretical predictions.

Plain Language Summary

There are different forms of narcissism, such as agentic, antagonistic, and neurotic, which reflect different characteristics, such as self-promotion, entitlement, and hypersensitivity. These forms of narcissism can change over time, and the current study sought to explore how these different forms of narcissism co-occur. Our findings show that these changes in narcissism occur in a specific sequence: from agentic to antagonistic, and finally to neurotic narcissism. Moreover, we revealed that these changes in narcissism are also linked to how one feels. Our findings demonstrate that narcissism is a dynamic construct.