Research article summary (published 30 Aug 2009):

Initial construction and validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory.

Full Abstract

The construct of narcissism is inconsistently defined across clinical theory, social-personality psychology, and psychiatric diagnosis. Two problems were identified that impede integration of research and clinical findings regarding narcissistic personality pathology: (a) ambiguity regarding the assessment of pathological narcissism vs. normal narcissism and (b) insufficient scope of existing narcissism measures. Four studies are presented documenting the initial derivation and validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI). The PNI is a 52-item self-report measure assessing 7 dimensions of pathological narcissism spanning problems with narcissistic grandiosity (Entitlement Rage, Exploitativeness, Grandiose Fantasy, Self-sacrificing Self-enhancement) and narcissistic vulnerability (Contingent Self-esteem, Hiding the Self, Devaluing). The PNI structure was validated via confirmatory factor analysis. The PNI correlated negatively with self-esteem and empathy, and positively with shame, interpersonal distress, aggression, and borderline personality organization. Grandiose PNI scales were associated with vindictive, domineering, intrusive, and overly-nurturant interpersonal problems, and vulnerable PNI scales were associated with cold, socially avoidant, and exploitable interpersonal problems. In a small clinical sample, PNI scales exhibited significant associations with parasuicidal behavior, suicide attempts, homicidal ideation, and several aspects of psychotherapy utilization. Copyright 2009 APA, all rights reserved.

Author information

Author/s: Pincus, Aaron L (AL); Ansell, Emily B (EB); Pimentel, Claudia A (CA); Cain, Nicole M (NM); Wright, Aidan G C (AG); Levy, Kenneth N (KN);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. alp6(-atsign-)psu.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Validation Studies

Journal: Psychological assessment (Psychol Assess), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Sep; vol 21 (issue 3) : pp 365-79

Dates: Created 2009/09/01; Completed 2009/11/03;

PMID: 19719348, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/3/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult Aggression - psychology Empathy Female Humans Interpersonal Relations Male Narcissism Personality Disorders - diagnosis; psychology; therapy Personality Inventory - statistics & numerical data

Principal Component Analysis Psychotherapy Reproducibility of Results Self Assessment (Psychology) Self Concept Self Disclosure Shame Social Behavior Students - psychology Young Adult

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