Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale Research Articles

Insecure attachment and PTSD: The mediating role of narcissistic traits

The purpose of the present study is to examine whether narcissism traits (i.e., narcissistic vulnerability and grandiosity) mediate the association between insecure attachment and PTSD symptoms, and whether this mediation is moderated by different levels of exposure to stress. Narcissistic vulnerability was expected to mediate the effect of attachment anxiety on PTSD symptoms. Narcissistic grandiosity was expected to mediate the effect of attachment avoidance on PTSD symptoms. Two hundred and thirty-six high school students from three different residential areas in Israel, differing in kind of exposure to terror (with constant warning, without constant warning and no exposure to terror), were administered the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR-R). Two years later, shortly after a tense security time in Israel, participants were administered the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale (NVS; measuring narcissistic grandiosity and narcissistic vulnerability), and the Post Traumatic Symptoms Checklist (PCL5). Narcissistic vulnerability mediated the association between attachment anxiety and PTSD symptoms. However, the direct association of narcissistic grandiosity and attachment avoidance was not significant. No moderated mediation was found for residential zones. The results contribute to a better understanding of the developmental risk factors underlying PTSD and extend the knowledge about the role that personality variables play in PTSD.

A day in the life of Narcissus: Measuring narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability in daily life.

There is growing interest in understanding the fluctuations in grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic states over time. Momentary data collection is vital in facilitating this new area of inquiry. Two narcissism adjective scales, the Narcissistic Grandiosity Scale and the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale, have recently been developed for this purpose. In the present study, the validity of these 2 scales was examined across 3 different samples. Results indicate that these measures perform well psychometrically at both the momentary- and trait-level. Multilevel exploratory factor analyses reveal a clear 2-factor structure at both the within- and between-person level. Within-person correlations between these scales and other momentary scales (e.g., the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) are consistent with theoretical expectations. Finally, individual differences in endorsement of both of these scales correlated with other dispositional measures, including existing narcissism measures (e.g., The Pathological Narcissism Inventory and The Five Factor Narcissism Inventory), at the between-person level in the expected manner. We conclude these scales are well-suited for momentary narcissism assessment in studies wishing to examine fluctuations in grandiosity and vulnerability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

The moderating role of narcissism on the relationship between posttraumatic growth and PTSD symptoms

ObjectiveTo attempt to clarify the controversy about the nature of posttraumatic growth (PTG) by investigating whether narcissism and self-deception can be moderating factors in the relationship between PTG and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Method152 survivors of terrorism, road, and work accidents participated in the study and were administered the Stressful Life Events Screening Questionnaire (SLESQ), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5), Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale (NVS), and the Self-Deceptive Enhancement Scale (SDES). ResultsNarcissism was found to moderate the relationship between PTG and PTSD symptoms. For individuals scoring low in narcissism there is no to negative correlation between PTG and PTSD symptoms. In contrast, for individuals high in narcissism there is a positive correlation between these two variables. The moderating effect of narcissism was found to operate through self-deception processes. Self-deception was related to PTG in individuals scoring high on narcissism and not in low-scoring individuals. ConclusionsIn individuals scoring low on narcissism, PTG might reflect an authentic non-deceptive experience and a low degree of or no PTSD symptoms, while in high-scoring individuals, it is associated with deceptive processes and PTSD symptoms, hinting at the non-adaptive nature of PTG in individuals scoring high in narcissism.

Development and validation of the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale: An adjective rating scale.

There is an ongoing debate regarding the nature of narcissism such that some argue that narcissistic individuals oscillate between grandiose and vulnerable states, whereas others argue these dimensions are stable traits (e.g., grandiose individuals remain in grandiose states). Scales sensitive to fluctuations in narcissistic states are necessary to address this question. The current study (N = 1,613 across three samples) validates the newly developed Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale (NVS), a brief (11-item) adjective-based measure of vulnerable narcissism. Expert ratings were used for item selection. The NVS's factor structure was evaluated along with its correlations with measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, five-factor model traits, and self-esteem. A subset of NVS items were also evaluated using an ecological momentary assessment design. Results indicate the NVS is a unidimensional measure of vulnerable narcissism that could be used in either trait-oriented or state-oriented analyses, the latter of which may be particularly well suited to answering the most pressing questions in the study of narcissism. (PsycINFO Database Record

Measurement of narcissism: From classical applications to modern approaches

Different conceptions of narcissism exist within the literature such as grandiose, vulnerable, pathological, collective, and communal, each of which can be measured using self-report measures. Within the current paper, we review and discuss most of the existing measures of these different trait (i.e., non-clinical) narcissism constructs. This includes an examination of their underlying theoretical foundations and an evaluation of the scale construction process. We start our review from the one-dimensional measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism such as the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen, the Short Dark Triad, the Narcissistic Grandiosity Scale, the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale, and the Single Item Narcissism Scale. Then, we introduce the multidimensional measures to study narcissism such as the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, the Five Factor Narcissism Inventory, and the Pathological Narcissism Inventory. The r view concludes by presenting measures of understudied narcissistic constructs such as the Communal Narcissism Inventory and the Collective Narcissism Scale. In general, using one-dimensional scales might provide important insights into the general underpinnings of narcissistic personality, however assessment via multi-dimensional tools better reflects its complex nature.

Supplemental Material for Development and Validation of the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale: An Adjective Rating Scale

Supplemental Material for Development and Validation of the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale: An Adjective Rating Scale

The structure of pathological narcissism and its relationships with adult attachment styles: A study of Italian nonclinical and clinical adult participants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structure of pathological narcissism and its relationships with adult attachment styles in 394 Italian nonclinical volunteers and in 103 consecutively admitted Italian outpatients. All participants were administered the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ). Confirmatory factor analyses replicated the 2-factor model of the PNI found in English-speaking samples in both nonclinical and clinical samples. Structural equation models showed that adult attachment insecurities were characteristically associated with the PNI Narcissistic Vulnerability scale, whereas the PNI Narcissistic Grandiosity scale was positively associated with the ASQ Confidence scale in both samples. Overall, our findings support the hypothesis that pathological narcissists are both vulnerable and grandiose and suggest that assessing adult attachment may be important in understanding pathological narcissism in adults. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

The Role of Narcissistic Vulnerability in Predicting Adult Posttraumatic Symptoms from Childhood Sexual Abuse.

The aim of the present study is to determine whether narcissistic vulnerability can aid in clarifying the debate regarding the relationship between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adulthood adjustment to traumatic events. 157 survivors (mean age=31.1, SD=10.9) of a traumatic event (war activities and road and work accidents) were assessed 1week, 1, and 4months following the event. Of the 157 participants, 15 reported experiencing CSA, and 26 reported experiencing childhood physical abuse (CPA). In the first-week assessment, patients were administered the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale (NVS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In the follow-up assessments, subjects were interviewed on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale. Narcissistic vulnerability was found, both in 1- and 4-month follow-ups, to increase the likelihood of participants who experienced CSA to develop PTSD symptoms later in their adult life, when exposed to other additional trauma. Narcissistic vulnerability, in both follow-ups, did not increase the likelihood of participants who experienced CPA to develop PTSD symptoms later in their life when exposed to other additional trauma. The NVS predicted the development of PTSD symptoms in the whole sample, both in the 1- and 4-month follow-ups, above and beyond the prediction of the BDI. In other words, narcissistic vulnerability can add additional information above and beyond general negative emotionality. In conclusion, it is recommended to take into consideration the interplay between CSA and the individual's narcissistic vulnerability when assessing the long term effects of CSA such as acute or chronic PTSD.

The impact of personality on adult patients' adjustability to orthodontic appliances.

To evaluate the impact of psychological traits on patients' choice of orthodontic appliances and their adjustability to orthodontic treatment. The sample consisted of 68 adult patients divided into three groups (28 buccal, 19 lingual, and 21 clear aligners). Prior to treatment participants filled out the Brief Symptom Inventory to assess symptoms of mental distress and the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale to assess narcissistic personality traits. During the first week after appliance delivery and on day 14, patients completed a Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire to assess their perception of pain and four areas of dysfunction. The correlation between personality traits and patients' reaction to treatment was evaluated. Somatization was the only trait that affected the choice of lingual and clear aligner appliance. Reduced self-esteem regulation was associated with increased pain in all patients, while exploitation was associated with pain in lingual patients. Narcissistic vulnerability slightly influenced patients' adaptability to orthodontic appliances. Although adjustability to lingual appliances was the most difficult, only two parameters were affected by personality features. In the buccal group, adjustability was affected by numerous parameters. Adaptation to the clear aligner appliance was relatively uneventful and least affected by psychological features. Anxious individuals tend to prefer lingual and clear aligner appliances. The selection of lingual and clear aligner appliances governs the patient's response and recovery process, leaving little room for the effect of psychological features. On the other hand, the buccal appliance allows for greater impact of personality traits on adjustability.

Influence of Hypervigilant Narcissism on the Tendency to Avoid Intimacy among Japanese Adolescents: Using the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale

Influence of Hypervigilant Narcissism on the Tendency to Avoid Intimacy among Japanese Adolescents: Using the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale

２種類の自己愛と自尊心，対人不安との関係

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between oblivious and hyper-vigilant types of narcissism, looking at their self-esteem and social anxiety. Undergraduates, 344 in total, completed NPI-S, three subscales of Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale (hypersensitivity to approval/admiration, covert sense of entitlement, and inhibition of self-exhibition), self-esteem scale, and SADS. Results indicated that narcissism was divided into three categories: the first had high self-esteem and low social anxiety, the second high social anxiety and low self-esteem, and for the third, the two were neither high nor low.

Narcissistic Vulnerability and the Development of PTSD

This study empirically examined the role of narcissistic traits and narcissistic vulnerability in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One hundred forty-four survivors of a traumatic event were assessed 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months following the event. In the first-week assessment, patients were administered the Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale and self-reported rating scale to assess event severity and symptoms ensuing from the impact of the traumatic event: depression, intrusions, avoidance, and arousal. In the follow-up assessments, subjects were interviewed on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale and were readministered the self-rating symptoms scale. Survivors who developed acute (1 month) and chronic (4 months) PTSD had significantly higher levels of narcissistic vulnerability in the first-week assessment. Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale scores predicted PTSD status with sensitivity of 81.6% and 85.1% and specificity of 40.4% and 38.6% at the 1-month and 4-month assessments, respectively. Narcissistic vulnerabilities contribute to the occurrence of PTSD.

Development of Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale from the Viewpoint of Kohut's Self Psychology

本研究の目的は，Kohutの自己心理学の視点から自己愛的脆弱性を測定する尺度を作成することであった．自己愛的脆弱性は，承認・賞賛への過敏さ，潜在的特権意識，自己顕示抑制，自己緩和不全，目的感の希薄さという5つの指標を通して測定できると想定した．用意された52項目を因子分析した結果，上記の指標に相当する因子が確認された．因子分析により選択された40項目が5つの下位尺度に分類され，これらの全体が自己愛的脆弱性尺度(Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale: NVS)と命名された．NVSで測定される自己愛的脆弱性は，過敏型の自己愛と正の相関を示した．NVSの全下位尺度において，高得点者は低得点者よりも高い不安やうつ傾向を示した．精神症状をもつ患者は，NVSの全下位尺度において健常者より高い得点を示した．