The relationship between narcissism, self-esteem, and “anti-stupidity anger”: An analysis based on response surface and cross-sectional threshold models

Abstract

Introduction

In recent years, the phenomenon of “anti-stupidity” on social media has drawn widespread attention, where individuals exhibit strong dissatisfaction with others' “foolish behaviors.” This study explores the anger behind “anti-stupidity” and its complex relationship with self-esteem conflict and narcissism types (antagonistic, neurotic, and instrumental).

Methods

By applying response surface analysis, latent profile analysis, and cross-sectional threshold effect analysis, the study reveals the intrinsic links between these factors.

Results

Findings show that when state explicit self-esteem aligns with state implicit self-esteem, “anti-stupidity anger” decreases as both increase. Conversely, when there's a conflict and implicit self-esteem is higher, “anti-stupidity anger” is relatively low. Latent profile analysis identifies four narcissism types, with the moderate-level group showing a significant moderating effect, where “anti-stupidity anger” increases with both self-esteems. Moreover, state explicit self-esteem only significantly inhibits “anti-stupidity anger” when agency narcissism is below the threshold.

Discussion

The study underscores that self-esteem conflict intensifies “anti-stupidity anger,” while different narcissism types play varied moderating roles. Individuals with moderate narcissism exhibit unstable emotional reactions in “anti-stupidity” situations. The threshold effect of instrumental narcissism suggests a close link between healthy and pathological narcissism transitions and self-esteem regulation disruptions.