Those Who Gift Only Themselves: An Analysis of Gifted Narcissists as Ultimate Self-Transactionalists

ABSTRACT

Researchers have argued that many leaders, such as CEOs and politicians, tend to possess narcissistic traits. At healthy and productive levels, narcissistic traits, such as self-promotion, may actually be an advantage to achieving success in some fields. Yet, few researchers have explored gifted narcissists as a twice-exceptionality. This article discusses the gifted narcissist profile and grandiose narcissism in particular. Following a brief introduction to key terms, the gifted narcissist profile is explored through the augmented theory of successful intelligence. The impact of giftedness on individuals with a narcissistic personality disorder is discussed in terms of positive and negative effects. Presidents, autocratic leaders, and cult leaders are presented as examples of gifted grandiose narcissists.

KEYWORDS:

• giftedness
• narcissism
• successful intelligence
• twice-exceptional

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ophélie A. Desmet

Dr. Ophélie Allyssa Desmet is an Assistant Professor at Valdosta State University, specializing in Educational Psychology and Gifted Education. Her research addresses social, emotional, and motivational dimensions in talent development, underachievement, and twice- or multi-exceptionality. Email: [email protected]

Robert J. Sternberg

Robert J. Sternberg is Professor of Psychology in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University and Honorary Professor of Psychology at Heidelberg University, Germany. Sternberg is a Past President of the American Psychological Association and the Federation of Associations in Brain and Behavioral Sciences. Sternberg’s PhD is from Stanford University, and he holds 13 honorary doctorates. Sternberg has won the Cattell Award and the James Award from the Association for Psychological Science, the Grawemeyer Award in Psychology, and the Distinguished Scholar and Torrance Awards from the NAGC. He was cited recently by research.com as the #7 top psychological scientist in the United States and #15 in the world. Email: [email protected]