U.S. presidents' bright and dark sides reflected through grandiose narcissism

The bright and dark sides of the United States presidents over the years have been reflected through grandiose narcissism, an analysis by Emory psychologists revealed.

The study showed that narcissism comprised of at least two largely distinct patterns of behavior associated with different traits.

Vulnerable narcissism is marked by excessive self-absorption, introversion and over-sensitivity.

While grandiose narcissism is characterized by an extroverted, self-aggrandizing, domineering and flamboyant interpersonal style.

The analysis also found that grandiose narcissism in U.S. presidents is associated with ratings by historians of overall greatness of presidencies, as well as high marks for public persuasiveness, crisis management, risk-taking, winning the popular vote and initiating legislation.

On the other hand, the study showed that grandiose narcissism is also associated with some negative outcomes, such as presidential impeachment resolutions, cheating and bending rules.

Based on the analysis, Lyndon B. Johnson scored highest position on the list, followed by Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.

The analysis led by Ashley Watts, a graduate student of psychology at Emory, and Scott Lilienfeld, Emory professor of psychology stressed on the fact that presidents' grandiose narcissism appears to be rising over time.

The researchers said the growing importance of television and other media in presidential elections could be giving an edge to those with the attention-seeking, outgoing personalities associated with grandiose narcissism.