The researchers examined over 355 articles published in the scientific press, as well as doctoral theses, manuscripts and technical manuals, and examined the differences between the sexes in three aspects of narcissism: "Leadership and authority, grandiosity and ostentatiousness, as well as the need to approve what others should do. They found that the greater the disparity in the need for approval, the more inclined men are than women to take advantage of others and feel entitled to certain privileges.
An interesting statistic that you should know on the occasion of International Women's Day starting today: men are, on average, more narcissistic (love themselves) than women. This is according to a study that summarizes data of 475 thousand subjects over three decades, conducted by researchers from the School of Management of the University of Buffalo.
In an article published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, findings spanning 31 years of narcissism research are analyzed, from which it was discovered that men score higher on the narcissism index over many generations, regardless of their age. "The trait of narcissism is associated with a variety of interpersonal disorders, unethical behavior, and aggression," says lead researcher Dr. Emily Greylbe of the Human Resources Organization at the University of Buffalo's School of Management.
"At the same time, it seems that narcissism increases self-esteem, emotional stability and the tendency to lead" she says. "By studying the gender difference in narcissism we may explain the differences between the sexes in these important traits" she said.
The researchers examined over 355 articles published in the scientific press, as well as doctoral theses, manuscripts and technical manuals, and examined the differences between the sexes in three aspects of narcissism: "Leadership and authority, grandiosity and ostentatiousness, as well as the need to approve what others should do. They found that the greater the disparity in the need for approval, the more inclined men are than women to take advantage of others and feel entitled to certain privileges.
The second biggest difference was in the attribute of leadership and authority. "Compared to women, men exhibit greater assertiveness and a desire for power," says Greilba. "However, there is no difference in the aspects of externalization, that is, both sexes can show rapture or absorb."
In addition, the study examined the data of undergraduate students between the years 1990 and 2013 and found no evidence in either gender of a change in the rate of narcissism over time.
The study showed that differences in personality, such as narcissism, can stem from gender stereotypes and 'enacted' expectations. The researchers estimate that the low proportion of women in senior positions may be due to differences between the stereotypes of femininity and leadership.
"Humans tend to expect and learn their gender role from a young age, and may experience reluctance to deviate from the social norms expected of them," says Grayleba. "Women in particular receive harsh criticism for aggressive or authoritative behavior, which creates pressure on women, more than on men, to suppress the externalization of narcissistic behavior."
The researchers suggest further research into the sociocultural and biological factors that contribute to these differences between the sexes.
to the notice of the researchers
