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Research has established that levels of narcissism tend to decline as individuals get older
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Individuals who, as children, exhibited more narcissistic tendencies compared to their counterparts, are also likely to exhibit similar behavior in adulthood.
From the iconic Regina George in Mean Girls to Nate Jacobs in the hit series Euphoria, numerous of the most well-known narcissists in movie and television history are often portrayed as young characters.
According to recent research, an analysis has indeed verified that the tendency to be self-absorbed is significantly more prevalent among the younger generations, diminishing as people mature.
According to researchers at the University of Bern, individual variations persist consistently over time.
Research suggests that individuals displaying higher levels of narcissistic tendencies in their juvenile years often persist in exhibiting these characteristics as adults.
According to Dr Ulrich Orth, the lead author, these discoveries carry significant implications, given that excessive narcissism can have a profound impact on not only those who exhibit this personality trait, but also on their loved ones, who may be affected even more profoundly.
The study aimed to investigate whether narcissistic tendencies consistently remain, decline, or rise over time as individuals age.
The research team reviewed data from fifty-one earlier studies, involving a total of thirty-seven thousand two hundred forty-seven patients, aged eight to seventy-seven.
The researchers studied three distinct forms of narcissism: assertive or power-driven, confrontational, and anxiety-driven.
Narcissistic tendencies display two forms. The first is characterized by feelings of excessive pride and the desire to be admired, whereas the second involves a sense of superiority and a diminished concern for the well-being of others.
Finally, neurotic narcissism is characterised by emotional instability and an excessive sensitivity, particularly to one’s own emotions and the emotions of others.
The team’s investigation found that the three categories of narcissism tended to decrease as people grew older.
Subjective levels of narcissism among individuals relative to their contemporaries remained relatively steady over the observed period.
In other words, kids who demonstrated higher narcissistic tendencies than their peers continued to exhibit higher levels of narcissism in adulthood.
Dr. Orth stated, ‘This was fact even across very long timeframes, implying that narcissism is a persistent personality characteristic.’
The researchers did not investigate the underlying causes of these results, but they hope their work will encourage other studies.
Dr. Orth pointed out that assuming adult social roles, such as being a partner, a parent, or an employee, may contribute to the growth and development of more mature personality traits, which are often characterized by reduced narcissism.
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