Have you ever wondered if someone you know is a narcissist? You may have noticed their inflated sense of self-importance, their constant need for attention, or their lack of empathy. But did you know that there is a surprising clue that can help you identify a narcissist by their eyebrows?
According to a recent study by psychologists Dr. Miranda Giacomin and Dr. Nicholas Rule, people can accurately judge narcissism from eyebrows alone. The study found that narcissists tend to have distinctive eyebrows that are thicker, denser, and more groomed than those of non-narcissists.
The authors define grandiose narcissism as the inclination to be self-centered, egotistical, and vain. They classify it as a prevalent “dark” characteristic of one’s personality, where individuals display positive attributes like extraversion and self-assurance, alongside negative traits such as vanity, selfishness, egotism, and a feeling of entitlement.
Giacomin and Rule suggest that narcissists are initially well-liked but later become disliked when their true intentions of seeking admiration and attention instead of intimacy become evident. They propose that identifying narcissists early in a relationship can help prevent getting involved with this negative personality, as their charisma and charm enable them to manipulate others socially.
Why are eyebrows important? Giacomin and Rule sought to address the main inquiry many people have about their research findings. Why eyebrows? They clarify that while eyebrows have not been extensively studied, they play crucial roles in social interactions and may be the most expressive facial feature. They elaborate on how eyebrows enable a wide range of emotions, including happiness, surprise, anger, and fear. They also mention that eyebrows can convey messages, such as when a raised eyebrow indicates a question. Additionally, they highlight the visibility of eyebrows and the expressions they enable, which can be discerned from afar.
Eyebrows serve as the Swiss Army knife of the human face, fulfilling numerous roles. They aid in expressing emotions and intentions, bolster facial recognition, and enhance our appeal. Narcissists may exploit their eyebrows to manipulate others, seeking admiration and asserting dominance.
Narcissists love to be at the center of attention and are often charming and charismatic. But they can also be very sensitive to criticism and react with anger or aggression when their ego is threatened. Narcissists can be exploitative, unfaithful, and abusive in relationships, as they lack empathy and remorse for their actions.
Relevant articles:
- Can You Spot a Narcissist by Their Eyebrows?, Psychology Today, June 3, 2020
- How to Recognize a Narcissist by Their Eyebrows, Verywell Mind, April 10, 2023
- The Surprising Link Between Eyebrows and Narcissism, Healthline, April 8, 2023
- Why Narcissists Have Distinctive Eyebrows, The Conversation, April 7, 2023