Emerging insights into the nature and function of pride. (2007)

“People feeling authentic pride are more likely to score high on extraversion, agreeableness, genuine self-esteem and conscientiousness. However, those feeling hubristic pride are more narcissistic and prone to shame.

Jessica L. Tracy, University of British Columbia
Richard W. Robins, University of California, Davis

Current Directions in Psychological Science June 2007 vol. 16 no. 3 147-150

Why does pride have a dark (ie. hubristic) side?

Authors Tracy and Robins explore the origins and purpose of pride. They find that people link pride either to achievement-oriented ideas like accomplishment and confidence (authentic pride) or to self-aggrandizement, arrogance and conceit (hubristic pride).

People feeling authentic pride are more likely to score high on extraversion, agreeableness, genuine self-esteem and conscientiousness. However, those feeling hubristic pride are more narcissistic and prone to shame.

People who feel positive, achievement-oriented feelings of pride also viewed hard work as the key to success in life, whereas hubristic people tended to view success as predetermined, due to their inborn abilities.

Access the full paper here: Emerging insights into the nature and function of pride