Narcissistic students cheat their way up.

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College enrollees who exhibit narcissistic tendencies are more likely than fellow students to cheat on exems and assignments, shows a study from Ohio State University, Newark. Narcissists are motivated to cheat because their academic performance functions as an opportunity to show off to others, and they do not feel particularly guilty about their actions.

"Narcissists really want to be admired by others, and you look good in college if you're getting good grades," explains Amy Brunell, assistant prolessor of psychology. "They also tend to feel less guilt, so they don't mind cheating their way to the top."

Narcissism is a trait in which people are self-centered, exaggerate their talents and abilities, and lack empathy for others. "Narcissists feel the need to maintain a positive self-image and they will sometimes set aside ethical concerns to get what they want."

While if is not surprising that narcissism is linked to cheating, Brunell notes it is interesting what dimension of narcissism seems to have the greatest impact. "We found that one of the more harmless parts of narcissism--exhibitionisms--is most associated with academic cheating, which is somewhat surprising."

The two other dimensions of narcissism--the desire for power and the belief you are a special person--are not as strongly linked to academic dishonesty. "You would think that the belief that you...

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