Does self-love lead to love for others? A story of narcissistic game playing

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2002 Aug;83(2):340-354. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.83.2.340.

Abstract

Five studies investigated the links among narcissism, self-esteem, and love. Across all studies, narcissism was associated primarily with a game-playing love style. This link was found in reports of general love styles (Study 1a) and of love in ongoing romantic relationships (Studies 1b-3, 5). Narcissists' game-playing love style was the result of a need for power and autonomy (Study 2) and was linked with greater relationship alternatives and lesser commitment (Study 3). Finally, narcissists' self-reports of game playing were confirmed by their partners in past and current relationships (Studies 4, 5). In contrast, self-esteem was negatively linked to manic love and positively linked to passionate love across studies. Implications for the understanding of narcissism in relationships are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Courtship*
  • Female
  • Georgia
  • Humans
  • Love*
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Narcissism*
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Power, Psychological
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Control, Informal
  • Sociometric Techniques