Challenging Assumptions About National Egos (Image Credits: Unsplash)
A comprehensive analysis of self-reported traits from over 45,000 individuals across 53 countries has pinpointed distinct patterns in narcissistic tendencies worldwide.[1][2]
Challenging Assumptions About National Egos
Researchers at Michigan State University uncovered that Germany registered the highest average narcissism scores, defying expectations that the United States would dominate.[2]
Iraq, China, Nepal, and South Korea followed closely in the top five for overall narcissism.[1] At the opposite end, Serbia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Denmark showed the lowest levels. The U.S. placed 16th, firmly in the upper third but not at the pinnacle.[2]
Lead researcher William Chopik noted, “The truth is, there was a wide range of narcissism in every country… Each one had their own mix of people who were narcissistic and people who were self-effacing.”[2] This finding shattered the myth of narcissism as a uniquely American or Western phenomenon.
Demographic Divides in Self-Perception
Men consistently outscored women on narcissistic traits in every nation surveyed, a pattern potentially tied to cultural norms around male dominance.[1]
Younger adults also displayed elevated levels compared to older groups, which Chopik attributed to developmental needs: “For younger people, narcissism may actually serve some developmental purposes… Traits like confidence and self-focus can be useful in that context.”[2]
Individuals who perceived themselves in higher social statuses reported greater narcissism, suggesting a link between self-elevation and trait expression. These consistent trends held regardless of cultural boundaries.[2]
Admiration and Rivalry: Two Faces of Narcissism
The study distinguished between narcissistic admiration – traits like boasting and inflated self-esteem – and rivalry, which involves defensiveness and derogating others.
| Category | Top Countries | Bottom Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Admiration | Nigeria, Iraq, China, Nepal, Turkey | Norway, Denmark, Ireland, Russia, UK |
| Rivalry | Germany, South Korea, Nepal, Iraq, Romania | Serbia, Mexico, Colombia, Austria, South Africa |
Surprisingly, collectivist societies such as Senegal and Bangladesh showed higher admiration scores than many individualist ones like Sweden. Chopik explained, “That challenges the simple story that narcissism is just a byproduct of individualistic cultures.”[2]
Factors Fueling National Variations
A positive correlation emerged between a country’s GDP and its average narcissism levels, with wealthier nations emphasizing personal achievements and self-promotion.[1]
Collectivist cultures, often sensitive to hierarchies, amplified admiration as a way to assert individuality within group constraints. The research, published in Self and Identity, relied on responses to statements such as “I want my rivals to fail” and self-rankings of social status.[1]
- Over 45,000 participants from diverse backgrounds.
- 53 countries represented for broad coverage.
- Focus on everyday traits, not clinical disorder.
- Consistent patterns across age, gender, and status.
Key Takeaways
- Narcissism appears universally, with predictable demographic spikes.
- Germany leads overall, but subtypes vary by culture.
- Youth and men score higher, linked to development and norms.
This study reframes narcissism not as a cultural outlier but as a human constant shaped by context. As Chopik concluded, “It’s not confined to one country, one generation or one type of person.”[2] What patterns do you notice in your own circles? Share your thoughts in the comments.
