Narcissists are approach-oriented toward their money and their friends

According to the unmitigated approach model (UAM) of narcissism, narcissists possess strong approach motivation coupled with weak avoidance motivation. The present research tests the UAM in two independent contexts: social and financial. In Study 1, narcissists report having social goals that emphasize the promotion of positive outcomes (e,g., having fun). This predilection is mediated by strong approach motivation. In Study 2, narcissists report a preference for aggressive financial investment strategies (e.g., investing in volatile stocks rather than stable bonds). This preference is mediated by both strong approach and weak avoidance motivation. Discussion focuses on how these results support the UAM and more broadly on how the UAM provides a theoretical framework for understanding the costs and benefits of narcissistic personality. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.