Signature size signals sociable dominance and narcissism

- This study explored the relationship between signature size and personality traits.
- Robust results were obtained using three operationalizations of signature size.
- Signature size is positively correlated with sociable dominance in males and females.
- Signature size is positively correlated with narcissism in females, but not in males.
- No association with self-esteem, intrasexual competition, or aggressive dominance.

Handwritten signatures have been traditionally associated with personality traits. In this study, we examined the relationship of signature size with intrasexual competition, aggressive and sociable dominance, narcissism, and self-esteem in a sample of Uruguayan university students (N = 340). The study went methodologically beyond current research by examining three different operationalizations of signature size, and by controlling for potential confounders: number of characters in the printed name, average character area in the printed name-a proxy for overall writing size-, and signature style. After controlling for these potential confounders and demographic variables, our results showed a significant link between signature size and sociable dominance, both for males and females, while narcissism was only in females significantly associated with signature size.