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09 October 2025
Collective Narcissism vs. Patriotism
A scientific debate is currently underway regarding the causes and consequences of this phenomenon. Experts from the Political Cognition Laboratory at the Institute of Psychology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) conducted research observing collective narcissism. Their findings suggest that it has little in common with true patriotism.
Patriotism is an attachment to one’s own country, usually accompanied by a readiness for social engagement and a willingness to help others.
In the case of collective narcissism, love for the homeland often remains at the level of declaration rather than genuine work for the state. Such individuals perceive other nations as a threat and believe that their own group is not sufficiently respected or appreciated.
The phenomenon of collective narcissism frequently goes hand-in-hand with populist politics. We can discuss it in the context of German society in the 1930s, or, more recently, regarding Donald Trump and Brexit.
The Source of Envy and Jealousy
Psychologists studying collective narcissism believe it originates from unmet individual needs. As the PAN research confirmed, stress, a low sense of control over life, and numerous future anxieties can lead to it. When people cannot cope alone, they often turn toward a social group.
“However, collective narcissism not only fails to meet these needs, but it may actually fuel greater frustration. This phenomenon is always associated with negative consequences. National narcissism leads to a lack of empathy for other nations, and in extreme cases, it can manifest as xenophobia and racism. It can also impede efforts to solve the real problems of one’s own country and limit opportunities for cooperation and mutual learning,” explains Dr. Marta Marchlewska, head of the Political Cognition Laboratory at the Institute of Psychology PAN.
Nationally narcissistic individuals often express negative feelings toward other citizens of their own country. Negative emotions, such as envy and jealousy, occur in them significantly more often than in “ordinary” patriots.
National narcissists frequently become obsessed with defending themselves against real or imaginary enemies. They perceive even ambiguous intergroup situations as a potential threat. Consequently, they are more likely to support conspiracy theories. The belief that hostile forces are conspiring against the nation can serve as an explanation for all the problems the country faces, allowing them to preserve an idealized image of their homeland.
Worth reading: How to spot a narcissist. What they click online
Societal Polarization Driven by Collective Narcissism
We can identify narcissistically not only with our own nation but also with other groups, such as corporations, political parties, or gender. According to PAN research, this leads to the dehumanization of opponents and political polarization.
This phenomenon occurs among both liberals and conservatives, in Poland and in the United States. These attitudes are independent of the political views people identify with or whom they vote for.
National and political narcissism can lead to destructive behaviors and attitudes that negatively affect our society. Understanding these phenomena will help us better deal with their consequences and strive for a future where a balanced, empathetic approach replaces the egoistic worldview driven by personal phobias and problems. The study of collective narcissism offers vital tools for this.
Read the original article in Polish: Narcyzm narodowy i kolektywny: złowieszcze oblicze miłości do ojczyzny lub grupy
