MINE IS BIGGER THAN YOURS! NARCISSISM PREDICTS BIASES IN PERCEIVED HEAD SIZE

• Authors: Lyons Minna , Blinkhorn Victoria , Collier Elizabeth S. , Bertamini Marco
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

The expression big headed is often used to describe narcissists, however is it possible that this term signals a bias in how narcissists perceive themselves? We tested whether narcissistic traits predicted biases in the estimated size and weight of specific body parts, including head circumference and brain weight. In two questionnaire-based studies, participants estimated the size or weight of parts of their body. In Study 1 (n = 316), we found that the Leadership/Authority facet of narcissism significantly predicted greater estimates of head circumference in men, but lower estimates of head circumference in women. In Study 2 (n = 275), we found that when a sex-specific average head circumference was not provided, Leadership/Authority predicted greater estimates of head circumference overall. We present evidence that narcissism predicts biases in estimated head size and brain weight, but that the precise nature of these biases is dependent on the provided frame of reference for body size. These results are discussed with reference to within-sex competitive strategies, perceived intelligence and stereotypes for male and female attractiveness.

Keywords

EN

NARCISSISM; BODY PERCEPTION; HEAD SIZE; COMPETITIVE STRATEGIES; SEX DIFFERENCES

• Publisher: Institute of Experimental Psychology, Slovak Academy of Sciences
• Journal: Studia Psychologica
• Year: 2019
• Volume: 61
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 245 – 257

Contributors

author

Lyons Minna

• University of Sunderland, United Kingdom

author

Blinkhorn Victoria

author

Collier Elizabeth S.

author

Bertamini Marco

Identifiers

DOI

10.21909/sp.2019.04.786