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A new study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that narcissists experience feelings of ostracism more frequently than their less self-absorbed peers. This heightened sense of exclusion may result not only from being shunned due to their personality traits but also from a tendency to misinterpret ambiguous social cues as rejection.
“Feeling ostracized is a subjective experience based on the perception of social cues by the individual. Some may be intentionally ostracized, while others may merely believe they are being excluded when that’s not the case,” said lead researcher Christiane Büttner, Ph.D., of the University of Basel. “Our findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of narcissism are more sensitive to exclusion cues, leading them to perceive ostracism more frequently.”
Study Findings
The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, focused specifically on grandiose narcissism—a personality type characterized by entitlement, dominance, a strong desire for admiration, and a tendency to seek status and recognition.
Researchers first analyzed data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, a long-term, nationally representative survey that included 1,592 individuals who responded to questions about narcissism and ostracism in 2015. The analysis revealed that those with higher narcissism levels reported experiencing significantly more ostracism.
To further validate these findings, the researchers conducted a two-week study with 323 participants, who completed narcissism assessments and reported past feelings of ostracism. For the following 14 days, they recorded instances of perceived exclusion using a mobile app. The data showed a strong correlation between narcissism and frequent feelings of exclusion in daily life.
Experimental Analysis
In a series of experiments involving over 2,500 participants, researchers explored how narcissists perceive social interactions. One experiment placed participants in a virtual ball-tossing game where two other players either included or excluded them. Another experiment presented hypothetical social scenarios and asked participants to rate their feelings of exclusion.
The results showed that narcissists were more likely to interpret ambiguous social situations as exclusionary. Additional experiments also suggested that people tend to avoid highly narcissistic individuals, reinforcing feelings of social rejection among them.
The Cycle of Ostracism and Narcissism
Interestingly, the study found that the relationship between narcissism and social exclusion is bidirectional. Researchers analyzed 14 years of data from a national survey in New Zealand involving over 72,000 participants. Their findings indicated that changes in perceived ostracism predicted increases in narcissism over time, and vice versa.
“Narcissism may contribute to social exclusion, but ostracism itself can also fuel the development of narcissistic traits,” Büttner explained.
Implications for Society
These findings provide insight into workplace conflicts, social isolation, and broader societal tensions. Given that narcissists are more likely to feel excluded—and that their perception of exclusion may lead to aggressive reactions—understanding this dynamic could help in fostering healthier interpersonal relationships and reducing social friction.
“If people with high narcissistic traits are more likely to feel and be excluded, this could contribute to escalating tensions in workplaces or social groups. At the same time, their heightened sensitivity to exclusion might make them more likely to react aggressively,” Büttner said. “These findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving interpersonal relationships should consider both the perceptions and behaviors of the individuals involved.”
More Information
More information can be found in the published study: Narcissists’ Experience of Ostracism, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1037/pspp0000547.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute psychological or medical advice. If you or someone you know struggles with social isolation or related concerns, consider seeking professional guidance from a licensed psychologist or mental health professional.
