Creating hostility and conflict: Effects of entitlement and self-image goals

Scott J. Moeller, Jennifer Crocker, Brad J. Bushman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

88 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)448-452
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology
Volume45
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Conflict
  • Entitlement
  • Goals
  • Hostility
  • Interpersonal problems
  • Narcissism
  • Relationships
  • Self-defeating behavior

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