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<p>While previous research has primarily focused on narcissistic leadership in workplace settings, its manifestations within religious contexts have received considerably less attention. This study addresses this gap by qualitatively exploring the experiences of members of Catholic religious orders serving under superiors who exhibit narcissistic traits. Specifically, it examines how such leadership is perceived, how it manifests in leadership, and how it subsequently impacts individuals and community dynamics. The research sample comprised 10 members of religious congregations in Slovakia (seven women and three men), aged 27–61 years (<i>M</i> = 44.8, <i>SD</i> = 9.04). Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed using the consensual qualitative research method. The analysis revealed five main manifestations of narcissistic leadership: manipulative behaviour, lack of empathy, demanding admiration, problematic reactions to feedback, and charisma and innovation. Participants reported negative emotional consequences such as anger, sadness, stress, lack of freedom, and feelings of powerlessness, as well as relational deterioration and community polarisation. Despite these adverse outcomes, some individuals described their personal growth and strengthened faith under such leadership, noting specific positive effects of innovative leadership on the community. These findings provide insight into how narcissistic leadership operates within religious communities, revealing its impact on personal well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall community functioning.</p>

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“I felt I wasn’t worthy of anything, not even of life”: A Qualitative Study of Experiences of Catholic Religious Order Members Under Narcissistic Leadership

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月20日

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  • Sofia Dúbravská,
  • Peter Halama

摘要

While previous research has primarily focused on narcissistic leadership in workplace settings, its manifestations within religious contexts have received considerably less attention. This study addresses this gap by qualitatively exploring the experiences of members of Catholic religious orders serving under superiors who exhibit narcissistic traits. Specifically, it examines how such leadership is perceived, how it manifests in leadership, and how it subsequently impacts individuals and community dynamics. The research sample comprised 10 members of religious congregations in Slovakia (seven women and three men), aged 27–61 years (M = 44.8, SD = 9.04). Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed using the consensual qualitative research method. The analysis revealed five main manifestations of narcissistic leadership: manipulative behaviour, lack of empathy, demanding admiration, problematic reactions to feedback, and charisma and innovation. Participants reported negative emotional consequences such as anger, sadness, stress, lack of freedom, and feelings of powerlessness, as well as relational deterioration and community polarisation. Despite these adverse outcomes, some individuals described their personal growth and strengthened faith under such leadership, noting specific positive effects of innovative leadership on the community. These findings provide insight into how narcissistic leadership operates within religious communities, revealing its impact on personal well-being, interpersonal relationships, and overall community functioning.