This is determined by the latest study carried out at the University of Buffalo in New York (USA) after 30 years of study and more than 475,000 participants in which male volunteers obtained much higher results than females through generations and regardless of age. The research has been published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.
The researchers examined more than 355 scientific journal articles, theses, manuscripts and technical manuals and studied gender differences in the three basic aspects of narcissism: leadership (authority), exhibitionism (vanity, selfishness) and feeling entitled to certain things for above the others. In all of them, men stood out significantly more, although the greatest difference was found in the last pillar of narcissism: men are more likely than women to exploit others and feel entitled to certain privileges .
“Narcissism is associated with various interpersonal dysfunctions, including the inability to maintain healthy long-term relationships, unethical behavior, and aggression. At the same time, narcissism shows that it increases self-esteem, emotional stability, and the tendency to emerge as a leader ”, explains Emily Grijalva, co-author of the study.
Research showed that personality differences, such as being a narcissist, can arise from stereotypes and expectations that have taken hold over time. Thus, the persistent lack of women in senior leadership positions may stem in part from the disparity between stereotypes of femininity and leadership. People tend to observe and learn gender roles from an early age. In particular, women tend to receive harsh criticism for being aggressive or authoritarian, which creates extra pressure for women , more than for men, in order to repress manifestations of narcissistic behavior ”, clarifies Grijalva.
