Why are narcissists so charming at first sight? Decoding the narcissism–popularity link at zero acquaintance.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0016338
• Publication Date: 2010-01-05T04:43:02Z
• Authors: Mitja D. Back; Stefan C. Schmukle; Boris Egloff
• Keywords: Popularity; Sight; Intrapersonal communication; Entitlement (fair division)

On the basis of a realistic behavioral approach, authors showed that narcissists are popular at zero acquaintance and aimed to explain why this is case. In Study 1, group psychology freshmen (N = 73) judged each other on brief self-introductions using large round-robin design (2,628 dyads). Three main findings were revealed: First, narcissism leads popularity first sight. Second, aspects most maladaptive in long run (exploitativeness/entitlement) proved be attractive acquaintance. Third, an examination observable verbal nonverbal behaviors as well physical appearance provided explanation for more Results confirmed judgments uninvolved perceivers under 3 different conditions which amount available information was varied systematically: (a) full (video sound, 2), (b) only only, 3), or (c) (still photograph clothing, 4). These have important implications understanding inter- intrapersonal dynamics narcissism.