Russian identity and attitudes toward political leaders: The role of secure national identification and national narcissism

Context and relevance. For several decades, psychologists have been studying the factors that influence attitudes toward political leaders. Studies have shown that such factors can be characteristics of the leader, followers, and the situation. However, it can be assumed that these variables interact with each other. Objective. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between national identity and attitudes toward political leaders with different interaction styles. Hypothesis. We assumed that Russian respondents would express a more positive attitude towards a democratic leader than towards an authoritarian one. However, the influence of the leader's behavior style on attitudes towards them would depend on national identity. Methods and materials. Russian respondents (N = 2008) took part in the study. They completed questionnaires to measure two forms of Russian identity — secure national identification and national narcissism. They then read a description of a hypothetical political leader and rated their effectiveness at solving several problems. The descriptions differed by gender (male vs. female) and the style of leadership (authoritarian vs. democratic), as well as by the characteristics of the problems (requiring “soft” vs. “hard” actions). Results. The results showed that respondents perceived a political leader with a democratic style as more effective than an authoritarian one. This pattern was manifested by Russians with different levels of national identity, in attitudes towards men and women who perform as the president, and in situations requiring “hard” vs. “soft” actions. However, individuals with low levels of national narcissism expressed this pattern more strongly than individuals with high levels. Conclusions. Overall, Russian respondents consider a political leader who involves them in decision-making as more effective. However, national narcissism, but not a secure national identification, increases faith in political leaders who give orders and expect them to be followed.