Factor analysis and construct validity of the narcissistic personality inventory.
Abstract
Three studies are reported which provide evidence for the validity of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI). Factor analysis of the NPI in Study 1 revealed four factors which were labelled: Exploitativeness/Entitlement, Leadership/Authority, Superiority/Arrogance, and Self-absorption/Self-admiration. In Study 2, scores on the NPI were correlated with basic dimensions of personality, and with relevant self-variables. Narcissism scores were positively related to dominance, exhibitionism, extraversion, self-esteem, and self-monitoring, among others; and negatively related to abasement, deference, and social anxiety, among others. Correlations between the NPI factors and personality variables are also examined. In Study 3, peer ratings of narcissism were obtained and it was found that these were strongly related to scores on the NPI. Taken together, the three studies provide considerable evidence for the construct validity of the NPI, and avenues for future research are suggested.
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Grandiose narcissism displays substantial correlation with extraversion.
“Grandiose narcissism displays substantial correlation with extraversion, while vulnerable narcissism correlates highly with introversion.”
From The Relationship between Grandiose and Vulnerable (Hypersensitive) Narcissism (2017) · cites this paper as Emmons, 1984
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“Assertive selfenhancement is expressed in charming, self-assured, and exaggerating behaviors (Back et al., 2010; Campbell & Campbell, 2009; Paulhus, 1998) and feelings of uniqueness and entitlement (Emmons, 1984), which have been subsumed under narcissistic admiration (Back et al., 2013).”
Background
- Authors
- Emmons, R. A.
- Affiliations
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (US)
- Corresponding author
- Emmons, Robert A.
- Venue
- Journal of Personality Assessment
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1984-06
- Volume
- 48
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 291-300
- ISSN
- 0022-3891 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-7752
- OpenAlex
- W2009598711
- Cited by
- 900
- References
- 20
- Citations by year
- 2026: 15 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 23 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 49 · 2020: 37 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 50 · 2017: 46 · 2016: 52 · 2015: 46 · 2014: 41 · 2013: 54 · 2012: 36
- FWCI
- 5.64
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Personality Assessment (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Disorders and Psychopathology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Psychological Testing and Assessment
- Keywords
- Narcissistic Personality Inventory, narcissism, construct validity, factor structure, leadership authority, dominance, exhibitionism, extraversion, self-esteem, self-monitoring, social anxiety
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