Using the bogus pipeline to investigate trait narcissism and well-being

We sought to examine the extent to which people are honest when reporting their psychological well-being and their levels of narcissism. We also sought to examine narcissists' psychological well-being, such as their levels of anxiety and depression. We used a bogus pipeline paradigm to examine these questions. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three study conditions: a bogus pipeline condition wherein they were led to believe they were connected to a polygraph, an anonymous survey condition, and an exposure-threat condition wherein they were led to believe that somebody else would be able to see their responses. Results suggest that people distort their level of well-being. Assessment of narcissistic characteristics can depend on the assessment situation. Vulnerable narcissists are ready to admit that they are anxious or sad, whereas grandiose narcissists appear to be more likely to distort their well-being.