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Narcissists Prefer Gossip Over Being Ignored, Study Reveals

3/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New research in *Self & Identity* uncovers a surprising truth: many, particularly men with narcissistic traits, would rather be the subject of gossip—negative included—than face the sting of being ignored. The study, led by Andrew H. Hales, revealed that 64% of participants favored positive gossip, while 15% chose negative gossip over exclusion.

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Story summary

New research in *Self & Identity* uncovers a surprising truth: many, particularly men with narcissistic traits, would rather be the subject of gossip—negative included—than face the sting of being ignored. The study, led by Andrew H. Hales, revealed that 64% of participants favored positive gossip, while 15% chose negative gossip over exclusion.