Ethnicity, Ethnic Identity, and Adolescent Narcissism

Abstract

The present study explored the influence of ethnicity and ethnic identity on adolescent narcissism, as well as the role of these variables in the link between narcissism and adolescent aggression. Participants were 348 at-risk adolescents (278 males, 70 females), ranging in age from 16 to 18 (M = 16.7 years; SD = 0.69 years) who were enrolled in a community-based residential program. Results revealed significant ethnic differences on narcissism, such that Black participants scored higher than White participants. Ethnic identity partially explained why ethnicity was associated with narcissism. Overall, the findings of this study speak to the importance of considering cultural context in narcissism, as well as other forms of self-perception. However, the limitations, particularly regarding the generalizability of these findings, are also discussed.

Keywords:

• Narcissism
• Ethnic identity
• Adolescence