What's a word for: "just to feel good about yourself"?

To say someone is "looking for approval" already suggests a lack of self-confidence, which might or might not lead to arrogance, but which in any case focuses on the person's state of mind rather than an idea or opinion. "Validation" is often used to suggest someone's need for support, but it does not imply arrogance without additional context, as in 'You want approval and people to think you're smart, to "validate" or "justify" your sense of self-importance.'