POLITICAL PERCEPTIONS THROUGH THE PRISM OF NARCISSISM: AN INDIVIDUAL-THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article examines the influence of narcissistic personality traits on the formation of political perceptions and behaviour. The analysis is based on the integration of theoretical approaches of individual and social psychology, which allows us to explore how internal cognitive biases, emotional regulation and self-identification affect political orientation. The author reveals the essence of narcissism as a complex phenomenon characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, the need for admiration and the expectation of special treatment, which becomes the basis for political attitudes dominated by the principles of self-assertion and social hierarchy. The analysis indicates that narcissism increases the tendency to selectively process political information and forms cognitive mechanisms that lead to externalisation of blame for political failures, thus supporting ideological rigidity. Emotional aspects, in particular the phenomenon of narcissistic rage, intensify reactions to criticism and contribute to the emergence of aggressive political attitudes that manifest themselves in support of authoritarian and populist tendencies. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of individual traits with social factors, in particular, the role of self-identification and collective narcissism in shaping political preferences and intergroup relations. In the context of the current political transformations in Ukraine, the article emphasises the relevance of narcissism analysis for understanding the basis of political polarisation and identity, which is especially important given the historical, cultural and socio-political factors of the region. The article also contains a critical analysis of existing methodological approaches to measuring narcissistic traits, pointing to the need to develop more accurate psychometric instruments for further research. Both positive and negative effects of narcissism on political processes are highlighted, which allows us to propose new directions for future research in the field of political psychology and the development of practical strategies to reduce the negative dynamics of intergroup conflicts.