Exploring the interactive role of narcissism and self-esteem on self-presentation

Although most research treats narcissism and self-esteem as additive predictors of outcomes, some clinical theorizing and data suggest they may interact to predict some socially undesirable outcomes. Unfortunately, little evidence exists for this idea. Following psychodynamic theorizing, we speculated that, as self-esteem increases, narcissism might relate less positively to antagonistic self-presentations but no differently to benign self-presentations. In two studies (one pre-registered), participants self-reported their narcissism, self-esteem, and self-presentation tactic use. As self-esteem increased, narcissism generally related less positively to using tactics portraying meanness, superiority, neediness, and blamelessness. However, self-esteem failed to change relations between narcissism and tactics portraying competence and likability. Findings align with some clinical notions and inform how narcissism and self-esteem interactively contribute to social behavior.