The diverse impact of self-quantification: How narcissism prevents self-indulgence

Self-quantification research tends to center on the beneficial impact of such tracking on the focal, quantified behavior (e.g., step counters increasing the number of steps walked). The current research provides novel insights into the effect of self-quantification on indulgence in seemingly unrelated, unquantified consumer domains (e.g., the impact of step counters on unhealthy snacking). Five studies, including a five-day field study, establish that self-quantification increases self-indulgence for consumers low in narcissism, whereas it decreases self-indulgence for consumers high in narcissism. This effect holds for narcissism at both the trait and state level. These findings extend research on the (less desired) consequences of self-quantification, and suggest promising interventions to avoid the elevated levels of self-indulgence generally associated with narcissism.