The results of the present study support the argument that narcissists are more
concerned about agency than communion (Campbell, 1999; Campbell & Foster, 2007). More
narcissistic individuals in Campbell et al. (2002) rated their romantic partner lower on positive
traits relative to themselves than less narcissistic ones did. In the present study, although there
was no direct comparison between self and targets, people high in narcissism were more likely
than those low in narcissism to derogate the personality of their close friends (Study 2) and
even an individual whom they said they liked (Study 4) although the latter was marginally
significant controlling for self-esteem. These findings suggest that narcissists are willing to
sacrifice their interpersonal relationships to maintain their favorable self-image.