Semester of Graduation

Fall 2022

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

While prior findings demonstrate that narcissists are excessively risk-seeking for themselves, research does not yet understand if their risk-seeking behaviors extend to others as well. This paper examines the role of narcissism in risk-taking on behalf of others. I hypothesize that narcissists will take more risks when deciding for others because they lack empathy and perspective taking. Therefore, narcissists are more likely to take risks based on their personal preferences, rather than the recipient’s desires. To test my hypotheses, participants completed the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) for themselves, another individual, and an anonymous individual, followed by completing the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) in a pre-registered experiment (Link). Using multi-level modeling, I found that narcissism is negatively related to risk-taking for the self and positively related to risk-taking for anonymous individuals.

Date

10-31-2022

Committee Chair

Zhang, Don C.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.5680

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