Work

Spiritual Formidability Predicts the Will to Self-Sacrifice Through Collective Narcissism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Perceiving the ingroup as spiritually formidable-with inner strength and conviction-is strongly associated with the will to self-sacrifice. Yet, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Across five studies, we test a mechanism through which spiritual formidability operates: collective narcissism-the belief that the ingroup is exceptional but not sufficiently recognized by others. A preliminary study showed that collective narcissism, but not ingroup satisfaction, predicted costly pro-group sacrifices. Studies 1a and 1b revealed that, among inmates belonging to street gangs or delinquent bands, the perceived spiritual formidability of the ingroup was associated with collective narcissism and willingness to engage in costly pro-group sacrifices. In addition, the effect of perceived spiritual formidability on costly sacrifices was mediated by collective narcissism. Study 2 replicated and extended the effects to self-sacrifice for religion among imprisoned jihadists. Finally, Study 3 offered causal evidence of the mediation among members of the general population.

Source: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

DOI: 10.1177/01461672251394485

Authors: Juana Chinchilla, Angel Gomez

Institution: Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia

Language: English

Topic: Social and Intergroup Psychology

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, H2020 European Research Council

Awards: A Multi-Theory Multi-Method Approach for Preventing and Reducing Radicalization leading to Violence, G6055039558