Story perspectives

Study Reveals Vain Narcissists Seen as More Attractive

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin used reverse correlation to generate composite faces from participants’ views of narcissism.
Researchers found that while selfish and vain narcissistic faces were seen negatively, the vain-narcissistic face was perceived as more competent and attractive, especially by participants with higher narcissism traits.
The vain-narcissistic face was favored for short-term relationships because friendships were deemed unlikely for both narcissistic types.

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Story summary

A study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin used reverse correlation to generate composite faces from participants’ views of narcissism.
Researchers found that while selfish and vain narcissistic faces were seen negatively, the vain-narcissistic face was perceived as more competent and attractive, especially by participants with higher narcissism traits.
The vain-narcissistic face was favored for short-term relationships because friendships were deemed unlikely for both narcissistic types.