Can financial literacy overconfidence be predicted by narcissistic tendencies?

Abstract

PurposeIn this study, it is investigated whether narcissistic tendencies can predict financial literacy overconfidence.Design/methodology/approachFinancial literacy overconfidence is analyzed under these three subcategories: overestimation, overplacement and overprecision, according to individual's self-perception of his/her own financial literacy. In order to evaluate narcissistic tendencies, the Turkish version of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Axis II (SCID II) Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) is used. To measure the financial literacy overestimation, overplacement and overprecision biases, a multistaged measurement process designed specially on basic and advanced financial literacy is implemented.FindingsThe current study provides strong evidence that narcissistic tendencies are predictors of financial literacy overestimation, overplacement and overprecision biases. These tendencies in men are greater than in women. Evaluated risk factors of being exposed to these biases among people who have narcissistic tendencies are found to be greater than among people who do not have those tendencies. Due to a particular exposure of narcissistic tendencies, the probability of financial literacy overprecision bias has the highest rate among the others, and it is followed by overestimation and overplacement bias.Originality/valueThis is the first study that measures overconfidence under three subcategories of overestimation, overplacement and overprecision, according to financial literacy. For this reason, it is believed that these results provide valuable evidence in favor of the relation between overconfidence in finance and narcissistic tendencies.