Narcissism: More Stressful for Men Than Women

Think the world revolves around you? If you're a guy, your narcissism is really stressing you out.

By Kristin Wong Mar 27, 2012 2:07PM

In a study published in the publication PLoS ONE, researchers gave 106 undergrads a Narcissistic Personality Inventory, in which they chose from either narcissistic responses or non-narcissistic ones. Researchers also tested the subjects' "passive drool," better known as saliva, to measure their level of cortisol — the stress hormone.

The researchers broke down the responses into unhealthy narcissism — which was characterized by "entitlement" and "exploitativeness" — and healthy narcissism, which they associated with qualities like leadership and self-sufficiency.

Turns out, the men who exhibited unhealthy narcissism in the Inventory had higher cortisol levels than non-narcissistic men. The women who chose unhealthy narcissistic responses also had higher levels of cortisol, but not nearly as much as the men.

Researchers then attempted to explain why men might me more stressed out by their own narcissism:

"Perhaps females can escape more severe physiological consequences of narcissism because there are different expectations for their roles in society."

They add that female gender roles encourage women to seek support, which could help lower their risk for chronic stress. But I guess that would mean women are less stressed overall, too.

The study's coauthor, Sara Konrath, adds that " societal definitions of masculinity that overlap with narcissism — for example, the belief that men should be arrogant and dominant — men who endorse stereotypically male sex roles and who are also high in narcissism may feel especially stressed."

And that's not the only reason to check your ego at the door. The study also points out that high stress levels could lead to cardiovascular problems. So being an egomaniac might very well be hazardous to your health.

< Back to The Daily Dose

59Comments

Best

Mar 27, 2012 3:32PM

What a stupid article - narcissists aren't stressed out from themselves - people who are involved with them are!

Previous replies

skinpig

Mar 27, 2012 4:00PM

I live with a narcissit woman and it is all about them.

Car breaks down she takes the good one, her job

life is more important, refuses to cooperate

Funny she was not like this before marrriage

Previous replies

Mickandroows

Mar 27, 2012 3:56PM

Narcissism, looked up the definition and as an example it said in bold letters Facebook.

Previous replies

reality9999

Mar 27, 2012 3:40PM

Sure sign of a narcissist? Someone who feels so much self guilt (stress) that they have to quickly type in a comment trying to turn the article into a political statement as opposed to reflecting on their own shortfalls.

Previous replies

Just Franklin

Mar 27, 2012 4:36PM

A true narcissist doesn't exhibit much stress - he/she simply denies any responsibility, does whatever he wants to do, disregards any person who stymies her agenda, even spouse or children. The stress must come in loneliness from living in total disconnect from real love and life, much of which is experienced by giving, not taking.

Previous replies

naturegirl77

Mar 27, 2012 4:36PM

I live with a narcissistic man, whose narcissism is completely unfounded because he has a horrible time holding down a job or living a normal lifestyle. It is quite a struggle to live with this type – you cannot contradict them, or they fly off the handle…they believe the world should stop for their problems, but not for anybody else’s…they interrupt others when speaking…they belittle everyone else in their lives…they are chronic blamers who never accept responsibility…sigh, the list goes on. But, one thing I have discovered is that people who act this way are completely unaware of their problem! Most Narcissists do not even realize they fit into that category, so I don’t know how they could be stressed out by their own narcissism. I guess the tests reveal that they are unconsciously aware, and this raises their cortisol levels? And apparently high cortisol levels lead to more belly fat – which my man also has, in-spite of having a lean body (and no, it isn’t a beer belly). So, the excess cortisol, derived from the narcissistic attitude, could explain the belly fat too.

Previous replies

Klovox

Mar 27, 2012 3:58PM

You bet its stressful being the Best looking, smartest, strongest, most creative, wealthiest, most intelligent , man alive!! Not to blow my own Horn or anything...

:) rofl!