Radical Ideas for Radical Self‐Importance? Exploring the Links Between Narcissism, Extreme Political Views, and Negative Attitudes Towards Political Opponents

In three studies (Study 1; UK, N = 402; Study 2; US, N = 511; Study 3; Poland, N = 1143), we examined links between narcissism and extreme left- and right-wing political views. Across studies, grandiose narcissism consistently predicted stronger support for political extremes. Study 1 showed that grandiose (but not vulnerable) narcissism was linked to support for extreme right-wing views, while Study 2 and 3 that grandiose narcissism was linked to support for right-wing and left-wing political views. In Studies 2 and 3, we found that grandiose narcissism was associated with greater support for extreme political views, which, in turn, was associated with more negative attitudes towards political out-group members. The results indicate that grandiose narcissists do not prefer one extreme; they are drawn to extreme views.