Narcissism Inventory Research Articles

Validation of the German Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory and Construction of a Brief Form Using Ant Colony Optimization.

Narcissism is a multifaceted construct commonly conceptualized as comprising grandiose and vulnerable aspects in a two-factor model. While the manifold correlates of these aspects imposed a challenge for research on the structure of narcissism, recent models converge in a three-factor structure of agentic-extraverted, antagonistic, and neurotic aspects, capturing variance in different conceptualizations and correlates of narcissism. We construct and validate a German adaptation of the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI), a measure assessing these aspects based on the Five-Factor Model. In eight samples (N = 2,921), we found the German FFNI to align with both, two- and three-factor models. The factors display good criterion validity with other narcissism measures, (non-)clinical personality dimensions, interpersonal styles, and (mal-)adaptive adjustment. Neurotic and antagonistic narcissism discriminated between individuals with/without mental disorder diagnoses, and displayed a characteristic profile in incarcerated offenders. Since the FFNI is comprehensive but long, we constructed a 30-item brief form (FFNI-BF) optimizing the internal structure and external validity using ant colony optimization. The FFNI-BF displayed good psychometric characteristics and similar, in certain aspects even advantageous criterion validity. We conclude that the German FFNI validly measures key aspects of narcissism, and the FFNI-BF captures these in a concise manner.

The Mediating Role of Autobiographical Memory in the Relationship Between Narcissism and Rejection Sensitivity.

Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic individuals perceive a threat to the self when they face real or imaginary rejection. The sensitivity to rejection may affect them differently. Thus, this research examines the role of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism in the retrieval of self-threatening memories. The study aims to test the mediating role of autobiographical memory (AM) in the relationship between rejection sensitivity (RS) and two dimensions of narcissism. A total of 369 university students (ages between 18 and 32) participated in the study. The Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire was applied to the participants, triggering the memory of positive and negative autobiographical rejection. Then, the Autobiographical Memory Characteristics Questionnaire and the Pathological Narcissism Inventory were applied. The results showed that the autobiographical memory characteristics differ depending on the dimension of narcissism when they face rejection. This changes depending on having positive or negative content as well as recalling the sensory details especially emotional characteristics of the AM. The use of AM as a mediator in the relationship between narcissism and rejection sensitivity has provided a viewpoint beyond experimental and relational studies. The results have shed light on the role of narcissism and RS in the processing of autobiographical memories.

The nonlinear association between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism: An individual data meta-analysis.

Narcissism can manifest in grandiose and vulnerable patterns of experience and behavior. While largely unrelated in the general population, individuals with clinically relevant narcissism are thought to display both. Our previous studies showed that trait measures of grandiosity and vulnerability were unrelated at low-to-moderate levels of grandiose narcissism, but related at high levels. We replicate and extend these findings in a preregistered individual data meta-analysis ("mega-analysis") using data from the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI)/Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS; N=10,519, k=28) and the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI; N=7,738, k=17). There was strong evidence for the hypothesis in the FFNI (βGrandiose<1 SD =.08, βGrandiose>1 SD =.36, βGrandiose>2 SD =.53), and weaker evidence in the NPI/HSNS (βGrandiose<1 SD =.00, βGrandiose>1 SD =.12, βGrandiose>2 SD =.32). Nonlinearity increased with age but was invariant across other moderators. Higher vulnerability was predicted by elevated antagonistic and low agentic narcissism at subfactor level. Narcissistic vulnerability increases at high levels of grandiosity. Interpreted along Whole Trait Theory, the effects are thought to reflect state changes echoing in trait measures and can help to link personality and clinical models.

Five-factor model trait profiles of narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability in Iranian university students.

This study examined the relationship between pathological narcissism, narcissistic grandiosity, narcissistic vulnerability and the five-factor model of personality. Participants consisted of 290 undergraduate students from four universities in three different cities in Iran, recruited by available sampling, Instruments, including, Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) were also completed for the participants. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that narcissistic grandiosity was positively associated with extraversion and openness, while narcissistic vulnerability and overall pathological narcissism were positively associated with neuroticism and negatively related to agreeableness and openness (only for narcissistic vulnerability). The results are consistent with prior research in Western cultures (e.g., United States, Germany) and revealed that neuroticism is a common factor in narcissistic vulnerability and pathological narcissism which suggested pathological narcissism may be a distinct dimension from normal narcissism. Also, there were various contributors of personality traits for narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability which can be considered as a support for the distinction of two phenotypes of pathological narcissism.

Validation of the Five-Factor Model Antagonistic Triad Measure.

The personality constructs psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, collectively described as the Dark Triad (DT), all reference socially aversive behavioral tendencies. Each construct is theorized to have features that differentiate it from others. Unfortunately, existing measures of the DT suffer from several problems. The present study compared newly developed measures of psychopathy (Super-Short Form of the Elemental Psychopathy Assessment), narcissism (Super-Short Form of the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory), and Machiavellianism (Super-Short Form of the Five-Factor Machiavellianism Inventory [FFMI-SSF] based on the Five-Factor Model of personality)-collectively referred to as the Five-Factor Model Antagonistic Triad Measure-to existing DT inventories using a sample of undergraduate students (N = 516). As predicted, FFMI-SSF showed better divergence from measures of psychopathy and better convergence with the expert Five-Factor Model (FFM) Machiavellianism profile than did existing Machiavellianism measures. Results also demonstrated that the factors within each FFM assessment manifested differentiated correlational profiles, underscoring the utility of the multifaceted assessment of these three constructs. In addition, the use of the FFM as the basis for the new DT measures provides a pathway for the integration of DT research into the larger field of basic and clinical personality science.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERCEIVED MATERNAL NARCISSISM SCALE

A mother's pathological narcissistic traits can lead to several adverse childhood experiences. However, there is no measurement tool to assess these detrimental effects of maternal narcissism on the child's perception. The current study aims to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the Perceived Maternal Narcissism Scale (PMNS). In this article, we conducted three studies with 720 participants. In studies 1 and 2, we developed PMNS and evaluated its reliability and validity. Both EFA and CFA results provided evidence for 25 items and a five-factor solution (Lack of empathy, grandiosity, criticism, control-manipulation, and parentification-exploitation) to assess maternal narcissism from the child's perception. Moreover, PMNS scores were significantly associated with parental attitudes and parentification measures. The PMNS demonstrated good reliability in terms of internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Finally, study 3 obtained the PMNS scores from children associated with obtained Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16 and the Pathological Narcissism Inventory scores from their mothers. The results of three studies have shown that the PMNS is a valid and reliable measurement tool to assess mothers’ narcissistic traits from the childrens’ perception.

The Unified Narcissism Scale: Moving towards an integrated measure of narcissism

Narcissism as a psychological construct has had a contentious past both in its conceptualization and measurement. There is an emerging consensus that narcissism consists of grandiose and vulnerable subtypes, which share a common core. In the present research (N = 1002), we constructed a new measure of unified narcissism that reflects these contemporary understandings using items from the most widely used measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism: the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI; Raskin &amp; Terry, 1988, https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.54.5.890), and the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI; Pincus et al., 2009, https://doi-org/10.1037/a0016530). We used classical test theory and item response theory approaches to devise a 29-item Unified Narcissism Scale. The scale showed good internal consistency, and convergent and discriminant validity, and showed evidence of measurement invariance between men and women. This research gave strong support for the structure, reliability, and validity of the unified measure, which offers a promising avenue for further enhancing our knowledge of narcissism.

Psychological Distress Profiles of Young Adults With Vulnerable Narcissism Traits.

The current study hypothesizes a mediating role for shame in the association between vulnerable narcissism (VN) and depressive and social anxiety symptoms. A sample of 600 undergraduates was administered psychometrically sound self-reports to assess the study variables. Structural Equation Modeling supported the mediating effect of shame in the association between VN and depressive symptoms, irrespective of the way VN was assessed (i.e., Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale [HSNS] or Pathological Narcissism Inventory). Conversely, shame did not mediate the association with social anxiety when VN was assessed through the (HSNS). A direct effect of VN on both depressive and social anxiety symptoms was also detected. The results are discussed in the context of their implications, while also focusing on the different findings that emerged via the measures used to assess VN.

Grandiose against vulnerable narcissism among undergraduate students in Oyo State Nigeria : differential effect of some demographic factors

This study investigated the differential effect of some demographic factors on grandiose and vulnerable narcissism among undergraduate students in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey design to pilot the study. A stratified random sampling approach was used to select 685 (305 males; 380 females) participants across their academic levels. Pathological Narcissism Inventory (α=.93) was used to measure narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability. The descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), Independent t-Test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to explore data. The results showed that undergraduate students showed moderate levels of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Significant difference existed between male and female participants in their expression of narcissistic behaviour as males exhibited more of grandiose narcissism (t(683) = 3.11; P=.002; MD= 2.99) while females were high in narcissistic vulnerability (t(683) = 2.67; P=.008; MD= 5.67). In addition there was significant difference in the expression of participants’ narcissistic behaviour based on their age dichotomy as narcissism was found to decrease with age in narcissistic grandiosity (F(2,684) = 8.883; p ＜ .001) and Narcissistic Vulnerability (F(2,684) = 30.01; p ＜ .001). The outcomes of the study were discussed and it was concluded that pathological narcissism is problem behaviour among undergraduate students. Therefore, stakeholders in behaviour management should develop therapies that can suitably address the problem along the identified lines of vulnerability and vulnerable groups.

Short form of the five-factor narcissism inventory: A Japanese adaptation

There is a pressing need for more evidence from regions from Western countries to draw conclusive outcomes concerning psychological sciences. Hence, the study intends to develop the Japanese version of the short form of the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory; (FFNI-SF) to assess reliability and validity, and to explore the psychometric adaptation of a broad range of narcissistic personalities in relation to the Japanese people. Altogether, 449 Japanese undergraduate students took part in this study. The findings denoted that FFNI-SF had an acceptable level of reliability and correlated well with existing Japanese scales. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, the lack of empathy was excluded from grandiosity, yielding an isolated factor. However, the exploratory factor analysis revealed that the lack of empathy had nothing to do with Japanese narcissism.

It's Not That Great Anymore: The Central Role of Defense Mechanisms in Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism.

Objectives: The concept of narcissism contains a yet unresolved paradox: Its grandiose facet depicts the psychopathological core but is often associated with life-satisfaction and overall functioning, whereas its vulnerable facet is associated with psychological distress, but still not included in the international classification systems. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between the two facets of narcissism expecting underlying defense mechanisms to be core elements. First, we aimed to identify defense mechanisms specific to grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Second, we explored how both facets are differentially associated with psychological distress, assuming that grandiose narcissism would be associated with less psychological distress than vulnerable narcissism. Third, we investigated the mediating role of defense mechanisms between narcissism and psychological distress.Methods: In a non-clinical sample of N = 254 individuals, the Pathological Narcissism Inventory was used for the assessment of grandiose and vulnerable facets of narcissism, the Defense Style Questionnaire for defense mechanisms, and the Brief Symptom Inventory for psychological distress. Structural equation modeling was employed to identify distinct factors of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Associations between specific defense mechanisms and both facets were calculated. Furthermore, the direct association between both facets and psychological distress was examined. We finally explored whether defense mechanisms mediate the association between distress and both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.Results: A distinct pattern of defense mechanisms for each facet of narcissism could be extracted: Both facets showed significant positive correlations with specific intermediate and all maladaptive defense mechanisms. Only grandiose narcissism showed significant positive correlations with adaptive defenses. Vulnerable narcissism showed negative correlations with all adaptive defenses. Specifically, grandiose narcissism was significantly related to anticipation, pseudo-altruism, rationalization, and dissociation, whereas vulnerable narcissism was negatively related to all these defense mechanisms. While grandiose narcissism was not related to psychological distress, vulnerable narcissism showed high correlations with psychological distress. Intriguingly, mediator analysis found that grandiose narcissism was related to psychological distress when mediated by maladaptive defense mechanisms.Discussion: The role of defense mechanisms is central for a differentiated understanding of the two different faces of narcissism. The relevance of assessing defense mechanisms in clinical settings, and related empirical findings are discussed.

A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory Short Form: Narcissism as a Multidimensional Trait in the United Kingdom and Russia

Research on narcissism supports a multifactorial structure with each factor to be multidimensional. However, studies typically assess 1 factor of narcissism using scales such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3). The Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory and its short form (FFNI–SF) were developed recently to account for this issue. The extent to which the FFNI–SF assesses equivalent constructs across countries has, nonetheless, received little attention. This study evaluated the factor structure of the FFNI–SF in a Russian sample (N = 1,996) and compared the results with those derived from a UK sample (N = 1,292). Overall, the FFNI–SF evidenced satisfactory internal consistency (mean α = .82 and .79 for the Russian and UK sample for the factors of Antagonism, Extraversion and Neuroticism, respectively). Additionally, analyses yielded a 3-component model in both samples similar to that reported in the original validation study, which also demonstrated meaningful correlations with the SD3. Finally, Antagonism demonstrated significant differences between the 2 samples, perhaps reflecting societal differences between Russia and the United Kingdom. The study highlights the importance of using psychometrically sound measures to assess narcissism in its complexity and the need for additional research on how this trait operates within the personality sphere and across cultures.

Emotion dysregulation acts in the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation.

Suicide behaviors are peculiar aspects of several cluster B disorders, including Narcissistic Personality Disorder. To date, it is still unclear which facet of narcissism is more related to the desire to die and which other factors are involved in this relationship. This study aims to offer preliminary empirical evidences concerning the relationship between narcissism, emotion dysregulation and suicide ideation. We administered the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), PID‐5‐BF (Personality Inventory for DSM‐5‐Short Form) and Beck Scale for Suicide ideation (BSI) to a sample of individuals with suicide ideation (n = 70) and a sample of community participants (n = 154). Controlling for age, gender and Negative Affectivity, we found that BSI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism, but not with the grandiose one, and with all DERS dimension, apart from Awareness. Nevertheless, emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicide ideation. Suicide ideation seems to be deeply connected with the vulnerable dimension of pathological narcissism and the relationship between the constructs is totally mediated by emotion dysregulation. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

On the Road Leading to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Brief Report on Narcissistic Vulnerability and Shame

Background: Recent empirical research showed that pathological narcissism is related to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI). However, both narcissistic vulnerability and narcissistic grandiosity were resulted related to NSSI and the differences between them and their role in NSSI remains unclear. Some authors underlined the potential role of shame in the genesis of self-directed aggression. Objectives : This study investigates the role of shame in the relationship between both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism and self-harm severity. Methods : We administered Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Test of Self-Conscious Affect (TOSCA) and Deliberate Self Harm Inventory (DSHI) to a sample of 149 community participants (42% males) with a mean age of 27.55 years ( SD =12.3). Results : Controlling for age and gender, we found that DSHI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism but not with the grandiose one. But, both the vulnerable and grandiose dimension of narcissism correlated with interpersonal shame levels. Finally, we found a positive interaction between PNI vulnerable factor and shame levels in predicting Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) severity. Conclusions : Differentiating the grandiose from the vulnerable facet of narcissism appears central when investigating the relationship between NSSI and narcissistic personality. Moreover, our study suggests that shame experiences have a remarkable influence importantly account for this relationship. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

Communal collective narcissism.

We aimed to introduce, validate, and showcase the utility of a new construct: communal collective narcissism. We conducted four studies, in which we developed a new scale for communal collective narcissism (Study 1, N=856), tested the construct's unique predictions (Study 2, N=276), examined its social relevance (Study 3, N=250), and assessed its implications for intergroup outcomes (Study 4, N=664). In Study 1, we verified the structural soundness of the Communal Collective Narcissism Inventory. In Study 2, we obtained evidence for a defining feature of communal collective narcissism, namely, that it predicts communal, but not agentic, ingroup-enhancement. In Study 3, we illustrated the social relevance of communal collective narcissism. Communal collective narcissists derogated outgroup members, if those outgroups threatened the ingroup and the threat targeted the ingroup's communion. Finally, in Study 4, we showed that communal collective narcissism predicts intergroup outcomes in the communal domain (e.g., humanitarian aid) better than agentic collective narcissism does, whereas agentic collective narcissism predicts intergroup outcomes in the agentic domain (i.e., preferences for military aggression) better than communal collective narcissism does. The construct of communal collective narcissism is conceptually and empirically distinct from classic (i.e., agentic) collective narcissism.

The role of emotion dysregulation in the relationship between narcissism and suicide

IntroductionSuicide attempts and suicidal ideation are peculiar aspects of several cluster b disorders, including Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Similarly, difficulty in regulating negative affects can play a role in the relationship between narcissist features and suicidal ideation. To date, it is still unclear which facet of narcissism is more related to the desire to die and which other factors are involved in this relationship.ObjectivesTo offer preliminary empirical evidences concerning the relationship between narcissism, emotion regulation and suicide ideation.MethodsWe administered Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI) to a sample of individuals with Suicide ideation (n= 68) and a sample of community participants (n=140).ResultsControlling for age and gender, we found that BSI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism, but not with the grandiose one, and with all DERS dimensions. Nevertheless, emotion dysregulation moderates the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsSuicide ideation seems to be deeply connected with the vulnerable dimension of pathological narcissism and the relationship between the constructs is partially mediated by emotion dysregulation. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

Suicide in narcissism: Can shame-proneness make a difference?

IntroductionCluster B personality disorders are characterized by a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior than others, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder is no different. Very intense feelings of shame, intolerable for the individual, are often found in patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder and may have a role in suicidal behavior.ObjectivesTo offer preliminary empirical evidences concerning the relationship between narcissism, shame and suicide ideation.MethodsWe administered Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), Test of Self Conscious Affects (TOSCA) and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSI) to a sample of individuals with Suicide ideation (n= 65) and a sample of community participants (n=65).ResultsControlling for age and gender, in the merged sample we found that BSI scores correlated significantly with the vulnerable dimension of narcissism and with TOSCA Interpersonal Shame subscale. In the clinical sample, Interpersonal shame partially mediates the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation.ConclusionsShame seems to play a key role in the relationship between the vulnerable facet of narcissism and suicidal ideation, although the profound mechanism by which it works remains to be understood. Future directions and clinical implications are discussed.

Development and validation of the super-short form of the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI-SSF)

The Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI) has exhibited strong construct validity and is the only measure that captures the three factors associated with recent models of narcissism. Unfortunately, the FFNI and its short form (FFNI-SF) may be too long to use in certain research protocols. To make the FFNI-SF even briefer while maintaining its structure and breadth, the FFNI-SF was administered to 2 samples of undergraduate students (N = 1009, N = 432) and 2 samples of adults recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform (N = 494, N = 591) along with commonly used measures of narcissism, antisocial behavior, and other related constructs. Fifteen items (one per FFNI subscale) were selected to constitute the FFNI “super-short” form (FFNI-SSF). Exploratory factor analyses of the items supported a three-factor (antagonism, agentic extraversion, and neuroticism) solution consistent with its longer parent instrument. Total, presentation (grandiose and vulnerable), and factor (antagonism, agentic extraversion, and neuroticism) scores showed strong associations with other narcissism measures and external criteria related to narcissism, and all of these relations were virtually identical for the SSF compared to the SF. The FFNI-SSF shows promise as a very brief but multifaceted measure of narcissism grounded in an empirically validated model of personality.

Investigating the structure of the Polish Five Factor Narcissism Inventory: Support for the three-factor model of narcissism.

The 3-factor model of narcissism is generally agreed upon within the literature. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated its structure. We investigated the internal structure of the measure using exploratory factor analysis on the Polish adaptation of the Five Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI). This article reports results of 2 studies conducted in Poland, including a total of 793 adults. The results of both studies provided evidence for the 3-factor structure of narcissism. Nevertheless, there were also some deviations: Grandiose fantasies, thrill seeking and arrogance do not load appropriately on any factor, and manipulativeness and reactive anger were better indicators of agentic extraversion and narcissistic neuroticism than self-centered antagonism. The validity of the modification of the FFNI scoring was assessed in regard to the Big Five personality traits and other measures of narcissistic personality. Results provide evidence that the composite scores of the 3 factors are valid and that the modification of scoring improves the measurement precision of the FFNI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Structural brain alterations in young adult males with narcissistic personality disorder: a diffusion tensor imaging study

Purposes 1. To find a difference in white matter (WM) between young adult males with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and healthy controls (HCs). 2. To find some correlations between white matter in the abnormal regions of NPD group and the pathological narcissism inventory (PNI). Materials and methods Eighteen male participants with NPD (age M = 18.39, SD = 0.164; education M = 12.33, SD = 0.14) were included in our experiment. NPD participants met the DSM-IV criteria for NPD and without other personality disorders evaluated by trained clinical psychiatrists using the Structured Clinical Interview of DSM-IV for Personality Disorders (SCID-II). Moreover, healthy controls were also confirmed to be free of any axis I or II disorders and matched with education level, age and handedness (age M = 18.83 years, SD = 0.246; education M = 12.56, SD = 0.202; all participants were right handed). Those who have had major life events in the last six months, mental and physical illnesses, claustrophobia and oral implants have been excluded. We used tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) on diffusion tensor images (DTI) and analysis of Pearson correlation between abnormal brain regions of white matter fibers and the pathological narcissism inventory. Results There was no significant difference in age and education level between NPD and HCs (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in PNI score and its subscales between NPD group and HCs (p < 0.01). Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were found decreased mainly in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus and the bilateral posterior thalamic radiation (include optic radiation). Lower axial diffusivity (AD) values were identified mostly in the left retrolenticular part of internal capsule and the left posterior thalamic radiation (include optic radiation). There existed a significant correlation between DTI data and pathological narcissism inventory. Conclusions The decreased brain white matter microstructures among three clusters were found in the association, projection/thalamic and connection pathways of white matter in young adult males with NPD. The abnormal white matter brain regions may be one of the neuropathological basis of the pathogenesis of young males with NPD, and it may be related to white matter development in early adulthood.