Why Narcissists Emerge as Leaders Even in Childhood

Narcissistic leaders both fascinate and repel us. They can be charming, act assertively and articulate visions that may inspire confidence, especially in times of uncertainty. This can attract many followers. In 1931 Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, echoed this belief: “[Narcissists] impress others as being ‘personalities’; they are especially suited to act as a support for others, to take on the role of leaders and to give a fresh stimulus to cultural development or to damage the established state of affairs.”

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Why might children (or for that matter, adults) with low self-esteem be drawn to narcissistic leaders? Narcissistic leaders may offer them a sense of worth, security and community—the very feelings people with low self-esteem tend to lack. Michael Hogg, a social psychologist at Claremont Graduate University, has suggested that when people feel uncertain about themselves or the world, they may identify with groups led by a narcissist, who makes grandiose claims, lacks empathy and shares fantasies of unlimited success.

Read the whole story (subscription may be required): Scientific American