On Being Eager and Uninhibited: Narcissism and Approach–Avoidance Motivation

• DOI: 10.1177/0146167208316688
• Publication Date: 2008-04-25T01:07:11Z
• Authors: Joshua D. Foster; Riley F. Trimm
• Keywords: Covert; Dysfunctional family

This article demonstrates the validity and utility of conceptualizing narcissistic personality in terms relative approach-avoidance motivation. Across three studies (N = 1,319), narcissism predicted high approach low avoidance That is, narcissists reported being strongly motivated to desirable outcomes but only weakly avoid negative outcomes. Relative motivation was shown be useful explaining behavioral tendencies associated with (i.e., functional dysfunctional impulsivity) distinguishing different "flavors" overt covert narcissism). Discussion focuses on how may used explain prior findings literature generate novel future hypotheses.