Abstract
People who feel entitled to admiration and respect from others do not make good companions. This research shows one reason why. Entitled people adopt self-image goals (goals that aim to construct and defend a positive self-image), which then lead to interpersonal conflict and hostility. Studies 1A and 1B documented a unique relation between entitlement and self-image goals. Study 2 extended these results by showing, via a longitudinal design, that entitlement prospectively predicts chronic self-image goals. These chronic self-image goals then predict chronic relationship conflict and hostility, all averaged over 10 weeks. Further, Study 2 revealed that self-image goals mediate the effect of pretest entitlement on both weekly hostility and conflict. These results suggest that by pursuing self-image goals, entitled people create conflict and hostility in their relationships.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 448-452 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Social Psychology |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Conflict
- Entitlement
- Goals
- Hostility
- Interpersonal problems
- Narcissism
- Relationships
- Self-defeating behavior