The dual nature of arrogance: from an approach-avoidance perspective

Abstract Arrogance is common and aversive in social interactions, yet its psychological structure has received limited attention. In this research, we propose two domains of arrogance—approach-oriented and avoidance-oriented—and provide support for the theoretical distinction between these two domai...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yinghua Xu, Heming Gong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Nature 2025-07-01
Series:Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05425-3
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Summary:Abstract Arrogance is common and aversive in social interactions, yet its psychological structure has received limited attention. In this research, we propose two domains of arrogance—approach-oriented and avoidance-oriented—and provide support for the theoretical distinction between these two domains through two studies. In Study 1, we establish an initial scale through content validity and identify eight first-order arrogance factors through exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, we develop two categories of arrogant expressions and further refine the scale into a higher-order construct based on these expressions. Moreover, we compare the correlations between two domains of arrogance, personality traits, and social interactions to gain a better understanding of the arrogance construct. Specifically, approach-oriented arrogance is more positively related to extraversion and dark triad traits, more negatively related to agreeableness, and elicits more unfavorable social interactions such as being more disliked, receiving less communication, as well as more negative evaluations of intelligence from others when compared to avoidance-oriented arrogance. These findings can help future researchers and practitioners assess arrogance domains, and mitigate the negative effects of arrogance.
ISSN:2662-9992