Les deux dimensions de l’hypersensibilité narcissique : l’anxiété paranoïde et l’égocentrisme

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to empirically explore the concept of narcissistic hypersensitivity using the French version of the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, which is currently the most widely-used measure of hypersensitive narcissism. MethodTwo groups of participants, one clinical, the other non-clinical, completed the scale, alongside other scales measuring other dimensions of narcissistic pathology. ResultsFactor analyses yielded two dimensions: Paranoid anxiety and Egocentrism. Correlation analyses between these dimensions and the other scales showed relationships that were both expected and coherent. We also observed interesting differences between the clinical and non-clinical groups, as well as good stability over time. DiscussionOur results overall validate the two-dimensional nature of narcissistic hypersensitivity. ConclusionThis result appears as a useful contribution to research since it provides scope for a precise evaluation of hypersensitive narcissism, distinguishing these two dimensions, Paranoid anxiety and Egocentrism, which could in fact pertain to the subject's relationships to others and to him/herself respectively.