Momentarily Quieting the Ego: Short-Term Strategies for Reducing Grandiose Narcissism

The negative interpersonal qualities associated with narcissism affect other people in consequential ways. As such, researchers have sought to understand the factors that contribute to and maintain narcissism or that instead reduce narcissistic tendencies. Here, we review research that examines factors that reduce grandiose narcissism or narcissistic behaviors in the short term. First, we focus on studies that suggest that making people feel more communal may reduce narcissism or make narcissists less likely to engage in negative behaviors. We then review studies that suggest that buffering people against ego threat, by affirming their self-integrity, may reduce narcissistic hostility and aggression toward others. Last, we discuss newer areas of research that may suggest additional factors that diminish narcissism. Together, this research may suggest ways to curb narcissists’ more negative interpersonal tendencies.