Words not deeds: National narcissism, national identification, and support for greenwashing versus genuine proenvironmental campaigns

Past research indicates that national narcissism (but not identification) predicts support for anti-environmental policies, and this effect is driven by narcissists' need to defend the group's image. We hypothesized although narcissists might proenvironmental actions, they would promoting a image of their nation (i.e., greenwashing). In five studies (overall N = 2231), we demonstrated individuals high in were less likely actual actions (Studies 2–5), but more greenwashing campaigns 1–3, 5), when involve financial costs incurred ingroup (Study 4). Study 5, predicted as political strategy—it was related preference green enhancement over (controlling attitudes individual narcissism). did observe similar effects identification or right-wing ideology. Implications proenvironmentalism across distinct groups are discussed.