he Napoleon complex, revisited : Those high on the Dark Triad traits are dissatisfied with their height and are short

Journal article

Kozłowska, Monika A., Talbot, Daniel and Jonason, Peter K.. (2023). he Napoleon complex, revisited : Those high on the Dark Triad traits are dissatisfied with their height and are short. Personality and Individual Differences. 203, p. Article 111990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2022.111990
AuthorsKozłowska, Monika A., Talbot, Daniel and Jonason, Peter K.
Abstract

In this study (N = 367; 62.53 % men) we reconsidered the Napoleon complex that suggests shorter people—men in particular—may compensate for their shortness with antagonistic behaviors. We conceptualized antagonism as individual differences in the Dark Triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) and found they were associated with not only being shorter but also with the wish to be taller; these associations were similar in the sexes. We discussed our results from an evolutionary (i.e., calibrating formidability) perspective.

Keywordsnarcissism; psychopathy; machiavellianism; body image; height dissatisfaction; sex differences; Napoleon complex
Year01 Jan 2023
2023
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Journal citation203, p. Article 111990
PublisherElsevier Ltd
ISSN0191-8869
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2022.111990
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85142869035
Page range1-3
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All rights reserved
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Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online23 Nov 2022
Publication process dates
Accepted07 Nov 2022
Deposited25 May 2025
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© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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