Discrepancy between explicit/implicit self-esteem and narcissism

Abstract

In the present study, the authors focused on discrepancy between explicit and implicit self-esteem. Previous literature showed its association with maladaptive aspects such as narcissism, and the present study predicted the same tendency. Seventy-seven college students completed the Implicit Association Test for measuring implicit self-esteem, and the self-report scales of explicit self-esteem and narcissism. A series of analyses of variance revealed a significant interaction effect between explicit and implicit self-esteem on self-assertion(subscale of narcissism scale). However, this interaction effect was directionally contrary to our hypothesis. For future directions, scholars have to closely examine this interaction and collect more data.