do narcissists die early

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20-10-2024

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Do Narcissists Die Early? A Look at the Research

The question of whether narcissists die early is a fascinating one, and one that has sparked considerable debate among researchers. While there is no definitive answer, several studies suggest a potential connection between narcissism and a shortened lifespan.

The Research:

• A Study on Mortality Risk: A study by Dr. William Chopik and Dr. R. Chris Fraley published in "Personality and Individual Differences" in 2016, found that people with higher levels of narcissism were more likely to die earlier in life. (Chopik, W. J., & Fraley, R. C. (2016). Narcissism and mortality risk: Evidence from a 20-year longitudinal study. Personality and Individual Differences, 96, 170-175.) The study followed participants over a 20-year period and found a correlation between higher levels of narcissism and higher mortality risk.
• The Impact of Stress and Health Behaviors: Another study published in "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" in 2015, by Dr. Brad Bushman and Dr. Roy Baumeister, explored the link between narcissism and health behaviors. (Bushman, B. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (2015). The narcissistic personality: An integrative model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 109(3), 490-516.) The research suggests that narcissists may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating, contributing to a higher risk of premature death. This is likely due to their inflated sense of self-importance, making them less likely to prioritize their health.
• A Focus on Grandiose Narcissism: A 2017 study published in "Personality and Individual Differences" by Dr. Sarah J. R. Cantor and Dr. Sarah A. B. Brown explored the link between grandiose narcissism and mortality risk. (Cantor, S. J. R., & Brown, S. A. B. (2017). Mortality risk associated with grandiose narcissism in an older adult population. Personality and Individual Differences, 112, 126-131.) The study found that higher levels of grandiose narcissism, a subtype of narcissism characterized by a sense of superiority and entitlement, were linked to an increased risk of mortality in older adults.

Analysis and Interpretation:

While these studies suggest a connection between narcissism and early death, it's important to note that correlation doesn't equal causation. There are many factors that contribute to lifespan, and narcissism may be just one piece of the puzzle.

• The Role of Stress: One explanation for the link between narcissism and mortality risk is the constant need to maintain their inflated self-image. This can lead to chronic stress, which in turn has been linked to a range of health issues.
• Lack of Social Support: Narcissists often have strained relationships with others, lacking a strong social support network that is vital to health and well-being. This isolation can further exacerbate the negative impact of stress on their health.
• Risky Behaviors: As mentioned earlier, narcissists may be more prone to engaging in risky behaviors that put their health at risk. This can include everything from substance abuse to reckless driving.

Added Value:

Understanding the potential connection between narcissism and mortality risk is important for both individuals and society. For individuals, recognizing narcissistic tendencies and seeking support to address them can contribute to a healthier and longer life. For society, understanding the impact of narcissism on health can inform policy decisions and public health initiatives aimed at promoting well-being.

Conclusion:

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between narcissism and lifespan, existing studies suggest a potential link between narcissism, stress, health behaviors, and increased mortality risk. This understanding can help us to better address the complexities of narcissism and its impact on individuals and society.