Large Twin Study Reveals a Surprise About Narcissism

A large German twin study found narcissistic traits are shaped equally by genetics and experiences unique to each person.

Shared family environment, including parenting, had little effect on narcissism in the study.

Researchers analyzed more than 1,300 twin pairs and relatives from the University of Münster.

The findings challenge the idea that early family environment is a major driver of narcissism and point future research toward genetics and nonshared life experiences.