The Napoleon complex, revisited: Those high on the Dark Triad traits are dissatisfied with their height and are short

The Napoleon complex, revisited: Those high on the Dark Triad traits are dissatisfied with their height and are short. Monika A. Kozłowska, Daniel Talbot, Peter K. Jonason. Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 203, March 2023, 111990. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2022.111990

Abstract: In this study (N = 367; 62.53 % men) we reconsidered the Napoleon complex that suggests shorter people—men in particular—may compensate for their shortness with antagonistic behaviors. We conceptualized antagonism as individual differences in the Dark Triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) and found they were associated with not only being shorter but also with the wish to be taller; these associations were similar in the sexes. We discussed our results from an evolutionary (i.e., calibrating formidability) perspective.

Introduction

The Napoleon complex is the popular belief that shorter stature is a disadvantage for men which leads to compensatory behaviors. For example, shorter men may exhibit indirect aggressive behaviors towards taller men, show behavioral flexibility in securing resources when they are physically less competitive, and are more likely to be jealous of their romantic partners (Brewer & Riley, 2009; Just & Morris, 2003; Knapen et al., 2018). In this study, we provide evidence for such a complex in those characterized by the Dark Triad traits of psychopathy (i.e., callousness, criminality), narcissism (i.e., inflated sense of self, grandiosity), and Machiavellianism (i.e., pragmatic cynicism, duplicity).

The Napoleon complex could be a marker of inferiority as in the complex theory (Adler, 1927) or an adaptive strategy to compensate for diminished intrasexual competitive abilities (Barber, 1995). Although the origins of the Napoleon complex are attributed specifically to the former, its premises do not sufficiently predict and explain systematic connections between lower stature, varied compensatory behaviors, and sex differences therein. In contrast, the adaptationist perspective may provide a more specific explanation of the Napoleon complex. It leads to the prediction that physical characteristics of key importance in the context of natural and sexual selection may be linked to psychological functioning. The variable of interest—height—is one of the traits that may affect one's success in intersexual selection and intrasexual competition. For both men and women, height is an essential factor in determining suitability for relationships, attractiveness, and reproductive success (Pawlowski et al., 2000; Perkins et al., 2021). Height may also play an important role in intrasexual selection because physical characteristics, like strength and size, provide advantages during physical confrontations (Archer & Thanzami, 2007; Sell et al., 2012).

There is considerable research linking personality traits to body image concerns (Adams, 1980; Allen & Robson, 2020; Ishikawa et al., 2001), including the Dark Triad traits. For instance, narcissism is related to eating disorders, body checking, and excessive exercise in women (Campbell & Waller, 2010; Waller et al., 2008). Additionally, Machiavellianism is a risk factor in the relationship between body image concerns and self-objectification (Dryden & Anderson, 2019). However, this research tends to focus more on weight than height.

Given that height is a key contributor to body image and satisfaction, and quality of life for both sexes (Griffiths et al., 2019; Perkins et al., 2021), and there are established relationships between body-related variables and personality traits, we explored the relationship between height, attitudes about one's height, and the Dark Triad traits. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that shorter participants and those with more negative attitudes towards their height should score higher on Dark Triad traits. Based on Adlerian views, we tested whether those correlations were stronger in men than women.