Two methods of assessing narcissism: comparison of the Narcissism-Projective (N-P) and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI).
Students in Introductory Psychology (N = 75) were administered the Narcissism-Projective (N-P), which asks subjects to describe two TAT cards and two early childhood memories. Protocols were scored using criteria adapted from the DSM-III section that describes the narcissistic personality disorder. On the basis of these ratings, the high and low narcissists (N = 16) were chosen for further study. These subjects were interviewed by an experienced clinician who was unaware of their performance on the N-P. The interviewer rated each subject as either a high or low narcissist. After the interview, the subject was administered the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI). Results indicate a statistically significant relationship between the interview assessment of narcissism and the N-P (p less than .01), the NPI (p less than .05), and the NPI factor of self-absorption/self-admiration (p less than .05). The limitations and implications of these data are discussed. It is concluded that both measures demonstrate promise as instruments useful in the rigorous scientific investigation of significant clinical and theoretical issues related to narcissism.
Shulman
D G
DG
Division of the Social Sciences, Fordham University, College at Lincoln Center, New York, New York 10023.
Ferguson
G R
GR
D006801:Humans; D009289:Narcissism; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011594:Psychometrics; D013803:Thematic Apperception Test