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Original Article

Sandbagging and the Self

Does Narcissism Explain the Relationship Between Sandbagging and Self-Esteem?

Published Online:August 31, 2018https://doi.org/10.1027/1614-0001/a000272

Abstract

Abstract. Sandbagging – a self-presentation strategy defined by feigned performance or false claims of inability – has been associated with lower self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether narcissism explains the relationship between sandbagging and self-esteem. College students (N = 813) completed a survey. Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism explained variance in sandbagging beyond what was explained by self-esteem. When grandiose or vulnerable narcissism was included, the relationship between self-esteem and sandbagging was no longer significant. Overall, the results were consistent with the notion that the relationship between lower self-esteem and sandbagging may be subsumed by narcissism.

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