US study ranks countries by levels of narcissism

Yesterday 18:10

By: Azzat Manal

US study ranks countries by levels of narcissism

large international study has challenged the long-standing assumption that the United States is the world's most narcissistic country, suggesting instead that narcissistic traits vary significantly across cultures and social groups.

The research, conducted by scholars at Michigan State University, analyzed responses from approximately 45,800 participants across 53 countries. The United States ranked 16th overall, placing it outside the top five countries with the highest average levels of narcissism.

Germany recorded the highest overall average, followed by Iraq, China, Nepal and South Korea. At the other end of the ranking, Serbia recorded the lowest overall level, followed by Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Denmark.

Rather than treating narcissism as a single personality trait, the researchers examined two distinct dimensions. The first, known as admiration, is associated with confidence, attention-seeking and a desire to impress others. The second, referred to as rivalry, involves a more antagonistic form of narcissism characterized by competitiveness and a tendency to view others as threats.

The findings showed differences between countries depending on the type of narcissistic behavior. Nigeria recorded the highest average level of narcissistic admiration, followed by Iraq, China, Nepal and Turkey. Norway ranked lowest in this category, with Denmark, Ireland, Russia and the United Kingdom also recording relatively low levels.

Germany topped the ranking for narcissistic rivalry, followed by South Korea, Nepal, Iraq and Romania. Serbia recorded the lowest level of rivalry, followed by Mexico, Colombia, Austria and South Africa.

Age, gender and social status

The study also identified three broad patterns that appeared across many countries.

Age was one of the most consistent factors. Younger participants generally displayed higher levels of narcissistic traits than older adults. Researchers suggested that narcissism may play a role in identity development and independence during youth, while priorities can shift toward relationships and responsibilities later in life.

However, the researchers cautioned that the study provides a snapshot rather than a long-term examination of individuals. Therefore, it cannot definitively determine whether people become less narcissistic as they age or whether differences reflect generational characteristics.

Gender was another significant factor. Men scored higher than women across the different measures of narcissism examined in the study. Researchers suggested that social expectations surrounding assertiveness, competition and dominance may contribute to this difference, although cultural norms and social pressures also play a role.

Social status was also linked to narcissistic traits. Participants who perceived themselves as occupying higher positions in society, particularly in terms of income, education and professional standing, tended to report higher levels of narcissism.

A surprising finding about collectivist cultures

One of the study's most unexpected conclusions concerned the relationship between culture and narcissism. Researchers had initially expected individualistic societies, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, to record higher levels because of their emphasis on personal achievement and independence.

Instead, countries with more collectivist cultural traditions often showed higher levels of narcissistic traits, particularly narcissistic admiration.

The researchers suggested that individuals in collectivist societies may sometimes use personal achievements and status displays to strengthen their position within complex social hierarchies or to enhance the reputation of their wider group. In this context, narcissistic behavior may be expressed in ways that appear more socially acceptable or beneficial to the community.

However, collectivist cultures were not associated with higher levels of narcissistic rivalry, suggesting that narcissism may take different forms depending on the surrounding social environment.

The researchers emphasized that the findings demonstrate statistical associations rather than direct causes. Factors such as age, wealth, social status and cultural orientation may be connected to narcissism, but the study does not prove that they directly cause these personality traits.

The research nevertheless offers a broader perspective on narcissism, highlighting how personality traits can be shaped and expressed differently across societies and challenging simplistic assumptions about which countries are considered the most narcissistic.