Key Points

Narcissists attempt to increase their social status by using two strategies: “admiration” and “competition.”

Narcissistic admiration involves self-enhancement; narcissistic competition consists of belittling others.

Research suggests that more intelligent narcissists are less likely to use the narcissistic competition strategy.

A study published in the July 2023 issue of Personality and Individual Differences, by Gignac and Zajenkowski, suggests that greater intelligence in grandiose narcissists is associated with less “narcissistic competition” and higher “narcissistic admiration.”

Before discussing the research in more depth, let me clarify what grandiose narcissism (versus vulnerable narcissism) and the two strategies of narcissistic admiration and competition are.

Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism

Narcissistic individuals are self-absorbed, feel entitled, and engage in manipulative behaviors. The typical narcissist is also highly self-confident, assertive, thick-skinned, and arrogant—traits associated with what researchers call grandiose narcissism.

In contrast, vulnerable narcissism is associated with low or poor self-esteem, subtle defensiveness, social isolation, feelings of inadequacy, and a tendency to experience negative emotions (anxiety, depression, shame, and paranoia).

Gignac and Zagenkowski’s investigations focused on grandiose narcissism.

The Narcissistic Admiration and Competition Model

As mentioned, grandiose narcissists feel self-important and arrogant. But how do they generate and maintain such an inflated sense of self? And how do they achieve high social status?

According to the Narcissistic Admiration and Competition Model, there are two strategies:

Narcissistic Admiration: This strategy refers to the active side of narcissism. It involves gaining admiration through self-promotion and self-enhancement. Examples include wearing designer clothing, exaggerating one’s abilities or accomplishments, acting confident and charming, and entertaining others.

Narcissistic Competition: This strategy refers to the defensive, aggressive side of narcissism. When self-promotion and self-enhancement do not lead to status gains, narcissists often attempt to undermine the status of competitors. This may include the use of verbal abuse (such as sarcasm and insults), emotional abuse (such as emotional blackmail, manipulation, and bullying), and even physical violence.

The Relationship Between Intelligence and Admiration/Narcissistic Competition

The study detailed below aimed to determine whether the use of the two strategies is influenced by narcissists’ resources, specifically their intelligence. Why intelligence?

Because more intelligent narcissists are more likely to achieve and succeed, which may reduce the need to devalue others to feel good about their lives.

Furthermore, narcissists with higher IQs may have greater self-awareness and understanding of the negative social consequences of narcissistic rivalry (e.g., frequent social conflicts, and loss of popularity).

Like intelligent psychopaths, intelligent narcissists may be effective at playing any role necessary—such as that of helpful, friendly, sympathetic, benevolent, or tolerant—to achieve their goals of popularity, power, and status.