The energy island: Texan collective narcissism predicts support for energy isolationism

This research examined whether state-level collective narcissism, a belief that one's state is exceptional and entitled to special treatment, predicts support for policies that prioritize state independence even if they harm fellow residents. Three pre-registered studies focused on controversies around the independent power grid in Texas, which has been linked to major power shortages in the state. In Study 1 (N = 223), Texan collective narcissism was strongly linked to support for energy isolationism. Study 2 (N = 217) replicated this finding, even when costs were emphasized, but the effect was weaker for those who supported the state Governor. In Study 3 (N = 543), emphasizing personal costs of energy isolationism reduced support for grid independence among those high in collective narcissism. This finding suggests that self-related motives might be behind the appeal of isolationist policies for those high in collective narcissism. The effects we observed were similar even when adjusting for political beliefs and regional identification (Studies 1–3), national narcissism and identification (Study 2), as well as individual narcissism and self-esteem (Study 3). These studies highlight the role of narcissistic regional identity in policy preferences.