Spiritual Formidability Predicts the Will to Self-Sacrifice Through Collective Narcissism

Perceiving the ingroup as spiritually formidable—with inner strength and conviction—is strongly associated with the will to self-sacrifice. Yet, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Across five studies, we test a mechanism through which spiritual formidability operates: collective narcissism—the belief that the ingroup is exceptional but not sufficiently recognized by others. A preliminary study showed that collective narcissism, but not ingroup satisfaction, predicted costly pro-group sacrifices. Studies 1a and 1b revealed that, among inmates belonging to street gangs or delinquent bands, the perceived spiritual formidability of the ingroup was associated with collective narcissism and willingness to engage in costly pro-group sacrifices. In addition, the effect of perceived spiritual formidability on costly sacrifices was mediated by collective narcissism. Study 2 replicated and extended the effects to self-sacrifice for religion among imprisoned jihadists. Finally, Study 3 offered causal evidence of the mediation among members of the general population.