In the book, The New Science of Narcissism [1], the authors state that evidence suggests that awe can shrink the ego, and thereby encourage prosocial behaviors in narcissists. Unfortunately, strong feelings of awe are the only kinds that have long lasting prosocial effects.
Awe is characterized by feeling small and connected. Awe may reduce grandiose narcissism by counterbalancing the large and disconnected ego. This may mean that religion can play a positive role in reducing narcissism.
People join religious organizations for different reasons. Many are attracted to religion due to the pursuit of meaning and truth. Narcissists are particularly attracted to religion due to the possibility to gain social acceptance. [[2]]
A study on the effects of narcissism on impulsive consumption showed that narcissists, after experiencing awe, have a large reduction in self-focused attention and impulsive behavior. The reduction in impulsive behavior was shown to be moderated by the reduction in self-focused attention. Simply, the individual focused more outward, and employed less strategies to draw attention to themselves, a key strategy in grandiose narcissism. [[3]]
Currently, religious belief seems to be waning in the west, and narcissism is on the rise. Religion can be a magnet for narcissists and have positive prosocial effects due to the effects of awe. Could the decline of experiential religious moments be contributing to the rise in narcissism?
References
[1]: CAMPBELL, W. K. E. I. T. H., & Crist, C. (2022). New science of narcissism: Understanding one of the greatest psychological challenges of our time – and what you can do about it. SOUNDS TRUE.
[2]: Zhang, M., Li, L., Ye, Y. et al. The effects of feelings of awe on the relationship between consumers’ narcissism and impulsive consumption behaviors: A mediated moderation model. Curr Psychol (2021). https://doi-org.libproxy.unm.edu/10.1007/s12144-021-02005-x
[3]: Buzdar, M.A., Tariq, R.U., Jalal, H. et al. Does Religiosity Reduce Narcissistic Personality Disorder? Examining the Case of Muslim University Students. J Relig Health 58, 1463–1470 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-018-0628-9