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Leota J, Faulkner P, Mazidi S, Simpson D, Nash K. Neural rhythms of narcissism: Facets of narcissism are associated with different neural sources in resting-state EEG. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:4907-4921. [PMID: 39073208 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Trait narcissism is characterized by significant heterogeneity across individuals. Despite advances in the conceptualization of narcissism, including the increasing recognition that narcissism is a multidimensional construct, the sources of this heterogeneity remain poorly understood. Here, we used a neural trait approach to help better understand "how," and shed light on "why," individuals vary in facets of trait narcissism. Participants (N = 58) first completed personality measures, including the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), and then in a second session sat passively while resting-state electroencephalography (rs-EEG) was recorded. We then regressed source-localized rs-EEG activity on the distinct facets of narcissism: Grandiose Exhibitionism (GE), Entitlement/Exploitativeness (EE), and Leadership/Authority (LA). Results revealed that each facet was associated with different (though sometimes overlapping) neural sources. Specifically, GE was associated with reduced activation in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC). EE was associated with reduced activation in the DMPFC and right lateral PFC. LA was associated with increased activation in the left anterior temporal cortex. These findings support the idea that trait narcissism is a multidimensional construct undergirded by individual differences in neural regions related to social cognition (the DMPFC), self-regulation (right lateral PFC), and self-referential processing (left anterior temporal cortex).
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Leota
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paige Faulkner
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shafa Mazidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David Simpson
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kyle Nash
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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2
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Jornkokgoud K, Baggio T, Bakiaj R, Wongupparaj P, Job R, Grecucci A. Narcissus reflected: Grey and white matter features joint contribution to the default mode network in predicting narcissistic personality traits. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:3273-3291. [PMID: 38649337 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Despite the clinical significance of narcissistic personality, its neural bases have not been clarified yet, primarily because of methodological limitations of the previous studies, such as the low sample size, the use of univariate techniques and the focus on only one brain modality. In this study, we employed for the first time a combination of unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods, to identify the joint contributions of grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) to narcissistic personality traits (NPT). After preprocessing, the brain scans of 135 participants were decomposed into eight independent networks of covarying GM and WM via parallel ICA. Subsequently, stepwise regression and Random Forest were used to predict NPT. We hypothesized that a fronto-temporo parietal network, mainly related to the default mode network, may be involved in NPT and associated WM regions. Results demonstrated a distributed network that included GM alterations in fronto-temporal regions, the insula and the cingulate cortex, along with WM alterations in cerebellar and thalamic regions. To assess the specificity of our findings, we also examined whether the brain network predicting narcissism could also predict other personality traits (i.e., histrionic, paranoid and avoidant personalities). Notably, this network did not predict such personality traits. Additionally, a supervised machine learning model (Random Forest) was used to extract a predictive model for generalization to new cases. Results confirmed that the same network could predict new cases. These findings hold promise for advancing our understanding of personality traits and potentially uncovering brain biomarkers associated with narcissism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanitin Jornkokgoud
- Department of Research and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Teresa Baggio
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Richard Bakiaj
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Peera Wongupparaj
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Remo Job
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grecucci
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMed), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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3
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Dåderman AM, Kajonius PJ. Linking grandiose and vulnerable narcissism to managerial work performance, through the lens of core personality traits and social desirability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12213. [PMID: 38806513 PMCID: PMC11133368 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60202-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
While grandiose narcissism is well-studied, vulnerable narcissism remains largely unexplored in the workplace context. Our study aimed to compare grandiose and vulnerable narcissism among managers and people from the general population. Within the managerial sample, our objective was to examine how these traits diverge concerning core personality traits and socially desirable responses. Furthermore, we endeavored to explore their associations with individual managerial performance, encompassing task performance, contextual performance, and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Involving a pool of managerial participants (N = 344), we found that compared to the general population, managers exhibited higher levels of grandiose narcissism and lower levels of vulnerable narcissism. While both narcissistic variants had a minimal correlation (r = .02) with each other, they differentially predicted work performance. Notably, grandiose narcissism did not significantly predict any work performance dimension, whereas vulnerable narcissism, along with neuroticism, predicted higher CWB and lower task performance. Conscientiousness emerged as the strongest predictor of task performance. This study suggests that organizations might not benefit from managers with vulnerable narcissism. Understanding these distinct narcissistic variants offers insights into their impacts on managerial performance in work settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Dåderman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Studies, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Petri J Kajonius
- Department of Social and Behavioral Studies, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden.
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Box 213, 221 00, Lund, Sweden.
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4
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Rabl L, Maerz J, Viviani R, Labek K. The dark side of personality functioning: associations between antisocial cognitions, personality functioning (AMPD), empathy and mentalisation. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1377177. [PMID: 38863611 PMCID: PMC11165144 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1377177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction With the introduction of the new psychiatric diagnostic manuals, personality functioning has gained new prominence. Several studies have reported consistent findings that individual showing high levels of antisocial features are associated with alterations in interpersonal functioning domains such as empathy and mentalisation. The focus of the current study (N = 198) is to examine antisocial cognitions, as measured by the Scrambled Sentences Task (SST), and to what extent this approach can help to better understand the relationship between antisocial traits and personality functioning/empathy. Method We implemented a hypothesis-driven approach using logistic regression and a data-driven approach using machine learning to examine distinct but related measures of personality functioning as predictors of antisocial cognitions. Results Antisocial cognitions were associated with low interpersonal functioning as expected, but only when not adjusting for antisocial traits, which accounted for almost all the association. The data-driven analysis revealed that individual items assessing empathic concern in personality functioning scales (as opposed to the whole scores) explained low antisocial cognitions even when adjusting for antisocial traits. Discussion Antisocial cognitions appear to be associated to two distinct traits, the antisocial and a specific type of personality functioning. This finding is discussed in terms of the possible distinction between two motivational forces: to harm others/prioritize one's advantage, and to help suffering others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Rabl
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jeff Maerz
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Roberto Viviani
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karin Labek
- Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Jornkokgoud K, Baggio T, Faysal M, Bakiaj R, Wongupparaj P, Job R, Grecucci A. Predicting narcissistic personality traits from brain and psychological features: A supervised machine learning approach. Soc Neurosci 2023; 18:257-270. [PMID: 37497589 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2023.2242094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Narcissism is a multifaceted construct often linked to pathological conditions whose neural correlates are still poorly understood. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings related to the neural underpinnings of narcissism, probably due to methodological limitations such as the low number of participants or the use of mass univariate methods. The present study aimed to overcome the previous methodological limitations and to build a predictive model of narcissistic traits based on neural and psychological features. In this respect, two machine learning-based methods (Kernel Ridge Regression and Support Vector Regression) were used to predict narcissistic traits from brain structural organization and from other relevant normal and abnormal personality features. Results showed that a circuit including the lateral and middle frontal gyri, the angular gyrus, Rolandic operculum, and Heschl's gyrus successfully predicted narcissistic personality traits (p < 0.003). Moreover, narcissistic traits were predicted by normal (openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) and abnormal (borderline, antisocial, insecure, addicted, negativistic, machiavellianism) personality traits. This study is the first to predict narcissistic personality traits via a supervised machine learning approach. As such, these results may expand the possibility of deriving personality traits from neural and psychological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanitin Jornkokgoud
- Cognitive Science and Innovation Research Unit (CSIRU), College of Research Methodology and Cognitive Science (RMCS), Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Teresa Baggio
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Md Faysal
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Richard Bakiaj
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Peera Wongupparaj
- Cognitive Science and Innovation Research Unit (CSIRU), College of Research Methodology and Cognitive Science (RMCS), Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - Remo Job
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMed), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Grecucci
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
- Centre for Medical Sciences (CISMed), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Ash S, Greenwood D, Keenan JP. The Neural Correlates of Narcissism: Is There a Connection with Desire for Fame and Celebrity Worship? Brain Sci 2023; 13:1499. [PMID: 37891865 PMCID: PMC10605183 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Objective: Narcissism is characterized by emotional regulation deficits, a lack of empathy for others, and extreme self-focus. Narcissism has also been linked to an increased desire for fame and celebrity worship. Here, the neuroscience underlying narcissism is examined in order to determine what regions and networks of the brain are altered when non-narcissistic individuals are compared to participants with both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. (2) Methods: The behavioral relationships between grandiose narcissism and desire for fame and vulnerable narcissism and celebrity worship are explored, along with a possible relationship at the neural level between these constructs. In this paper, we review research demonstrating that increased levels of grandiose narcissism are associated with an increase in obsession with fame, while vulnerable narcissism is associated with celebrity worship. (3) Results: Based on current data, the frontal regions underlie narcissism and also likely underlie celebrity worship and desire for fame. This tenuous conclusion is based on a limited number of studies. (4) Conclusions: The brain areas associated with grandiose narcissism may be associated with an intense desire for fame as well, while brain regions associated with vulnerable narcissism may be similar in celebrity worshipers. Future research studies on the brain that are specifically designed to test these relationships at a neurological level are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Ash
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, Montclair State University, 320 Science Hall, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Dara Greenwood
- Department of Psychology, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
| | - Julian Paul Keenan
- Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory, Montclair State University, 320 Science Hall, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
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7
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Czarna AZ, Mauersberger H, Kastendieck T, Zdunek RR, Sedikides C, Hess U. Narcissism predicts noise perception but not signal decoding in emotion. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14457. [PMID: 37660069 PMCID: PMC10475012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41792-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Grandiose narcissists claim that they have better-than-average emotion recognition abilities, but many objective tests do not support this claim. We sought to clarify the relation between grandiose (both agentic and communal) narcissism and emotion recognition by taking a closer look at the components of emotion recognition. In two studies (N1 = 147, N2 = 520), using culturally distinct samples and different stimulus materials, we investigated the relation between grandiose narcissism and signal decoding (accurate view of the intended emotion displayed in an expression) as well as noise perception (inaccurate deciphering of secondary emotions that are not part of the emotional message). Narcissism was inconsistently related to signal decoding, but consistently and positively related to noise perception. High grandiose (agentic and communal) narcissists are not necessarily better at signal decoding, but are more susceptible to noise perception. We discuss implications for narcissists' social interactions and interpersonal relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Z Czarna
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
| | | | | | - Roksana R Zdunek
- Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Ursula Hess
- Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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8
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Narcissism and the perception of failure - evidence from the error-related negativity and the error positivity. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 6:e2. [PMID: 36843659 PMCID: PMC9947629 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2022.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The literature on narcissism suggests two contradictory ways how highly narcissistic individuals deal with their failures: They might avoid consciously recognising their failures to protect their ego or they might vigilantly turn towards their failures to process cues that are important for maintaining their grandiosity. We tried to dissolve these contradictory positions by studying event-related potential components of error processing and their variations with narcissism. With a speeded go/no-go task, we examined how the error-related negativity (Ne; reflecting an early, automatic processing stage) and the error positivity (Pe; associated with conscious error detection) vary with Admiration and Rivalry, two narcissism dimensions, under ego-threatening conditions. Using multilevel models, we showed that participants with high Rivalry displayed higher Ne amplitudes suggesting a heightened trait of defensive reactivity. We did not find variations of either narcissism dimension with the Pe, which would have pointed to weaker error awareness. Thus, our results only supported the second position: a heightened vigilance to errors in narcissism at early, rather automatic processing stages.
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9
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Biberdzic M, Tan J, Day NJS. "It's not you, it's me": identity disturbance as the main contributor to interpersonal problems in pathological narcissism. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2023; 10:3. [PMID: 36721254 PMCID: PMC9890803 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-022-00209-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Core impairments in self and other functioning typify individuals with personality disorder. While interpersonal dysfunction is a known element of narcissistic disorders, empirical research investigating intrapersonal elements is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the internal representations of individuals with grandiose and vulnerable features, as manifested through their attachment styles, and the specific role of identity disturbance in explaining the relationship between pathological narcissism and maladaptive interpersonal functioning. METHODS A sample of 270 university students completed the Brief Pathological Narcissism Inventory (B-PNI), the Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP), the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32). RESULTS Both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism were positively associated with both fearful and preoccupied attachment, and negatively associated with secure attachment, whilst grandiose narcissism was also positively associated with dismissive attachment. Furthermore, unstable representations of self, poor self-reflective functioning, and low sense of purpose fully mediated the relationship between interpersonal problems and grandiose narcissism while partially mediating the relationship between interpersonal problems and vulnerable narcissism. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings suggest that for individuals presenting with narcissistic features, capacity for adaptive interpersonal functioning is grounded by deficits in identity integration. Implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Biberdzic
- University of Wollongong, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Junhao Tan
- University of Wollongong, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Nicholas J S Day
- University of Wollongong, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, Wollongong, Australia
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10
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Editorial: an emerging field with bright prospects. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 6:e1. [PMID: 36843660 PMCID: PMC9947592 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2022.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Borráz-León JI, Spreitzer A, Scrivner C, Landers M, Lee R, Maestripieri D. Cortisol reactivity to psychosocial stress in vulnerable and grandiose narcissists: An exploratory study. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1067456. [PMID: 36687967 PMCID: PMC9852882 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1067456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Narcissistic personality manifests itself in at least two different forms: grandiose and vulnerable. In the present study, we compared cortisol and emotional responses to psychosocial stress between subjects high in vulnerable and grandiose narcissism scores, and examined possible associations between narcissism, other personality traits, and stress responses. We hypothesized that subjects with higher scores of vulnerable narcissism would show stronger emotional and physiological reactivity than those with high scores of grandiose narcissism. Methods A final sample of forty-seven participants underwent a Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), provided saliva samples to assess cortisol levels, and completed several personality questionnaires. Results Consistent with our hypothesis, subjects with higher scores of vulnerable narcissism had a stronger cortisol and emotional response than those with high scores of grandiose narcissism. Vulnerable narcissism was positively correlated with schizotypal traits, while grandiose narcissism was positively correlated with psychopathic traits. Participants with a mixed-type of narcissism were also discussed. Discussion This study provides the first evidence of differential physiological and emotional reactivity to social evaluation threat according to scores of vulnerable and grandiose narcissism. Since this is an exploratory study, the results must be interpreted with caution. However, the results will be informative for future confirmatory research with larger and more heterogeneous samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier I. Borráz-León
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Javier I. Borráz-León,
| | - Alena Spreitzer
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Coltan Scrivner
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Comparative Human Development, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mitchell Landers
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Royce Lee
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dario Maestripieri
- Institute for Mind and Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States,Department of Comparative Human Development, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Jauk E, Knödler M, Frenzel J, Kanske P. Do highly sensitive persons display hypersensitive narcissism? Similarities and differences in the nomological networks of sensory processing sensitivity and vulnerable narcissism. J Clin Psychol 2023; 79:228-254. [PMID: 35901250 PMCID: PMC10087305 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with high sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) ("highly sensitive persons") are thought to be easily excitable and overwhelmed, highly attentive to aesthetic impressions, and particularly sensitive to sensory stimulation. Public discourse suggests that those who describe themselves as highly sensitive see themselves as fundamentally different from others, and view their personality as a gift and a burden. From a clinical personality perspective, high sensitivity could be considered to have substantial overlaps with hypersensitive narcissism, or generally vulnerable narcissism. METHOD We investigated the associations and shared nomological networks between high sensitivity and hypersensitive narcissism in two studies using convenience and representative samples (n1 = 280, n2 = 310). RESULTS There is evidence for replicable associations between SPS and hypersensitive (.53 ≤ r ≤ .54) as well as vulnerable narcissism (.44 ≤ r ≤ .54), associations were not attributable to general neuroticism. Nomological networks were similar and pointed to a neurotic-introverted personality profile with reduced personality functioning. Latent class analyses further pointed to substantial and practically relevant person-level covariance. CONCLUSION Sensory processing sensitivity and hypersensitive narcissism are substantially related constructs. For clinicians, this points to the importance of being attentive to narcissistic self-regulatory strategies in individuals presenting as highly sensitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Jauk
- Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Madita Knödler
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Frenzel
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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13
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Jacobs KA. The concept of Narcissistic Personality Disorder-Three levels of analysis for interdisciplinary integration. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:989171. [PMID: 36465294 PMCID: PMC9709503 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.989171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, I distinguish three different levels for describing, and three corresponding ways for understanding, deficient empathy as the core of NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder). On the macro level, deficient empathy can be explained as disturbed interpersonal functioning, and is understood as lack of recognition. On the meso-level, deficient empathy can be described as psychic disintegration, and can be understood specifically in its dissocial aspects. Psychic disintegration in NPD correlates with somatic changes, i.e., dysfunctional affective empathy and mind-reading on the micro level of description, which is the third level. The "core-deficit-model of NPD" that I outline, while not rejecting reductionist approaches outright, argues in favor of integrating (top-down/bottom-up) functionalist descriptions of empathy into a wider conceptual framework of bio-psycho-social functioning. The "core-deficit-model of NPD" is interdisciplinary, can bypass monodisciplinary skepticism, and removes purported barriers between explaining and understanding the "lack" of empathy as the core of pathological narcissism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrin A. Jacobs
- Department of Philosophy and Ethics, Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences, University of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Japan
- Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience (CHAIN), University of Hokkaido, Sapporo, Japan
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14
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Jauk E, Ulbrich L, Jorschick P, Höfler M, Kaufman SB, Kanske P. The nonlinear association between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism: An individual data meta-analysis. J Pers 2022; 90:703-726. [PMID: 34860434 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE 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. METHOD 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). RESULTS 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. CONCLUSION 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuel Jauk
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Ulbrich
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul Jorschick
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Höfler
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Kanske
- Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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Potthoff J, Schienle A. Effects of Self-Esteem on Self-Viewing: An Eye-Tracking Investigation on Mirror Gazing. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:164. [PMID: 34940099 PMCID: PMC8698327 DOI: 10.3390/bs11120164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While some people enjoy looking at their faces in the mirror, others experience emotional distress. Despite these individual differences concerning self-viewing in the mirror, systematic investigations on this topic have not been conducted so far. The present eye-tracking study examined whether personality traits (self-esteem, narcissism propensity, self-disgust) are associated with gaze behavior (gaze duration, fixation count) during free mirror viewing of one's face. Sixty-eight adults (mean age = 23.5 years; 39 females, 29 males) viewed their faces in the mirror and watched a video of an unknown person matched for gender and age (control condition) for 90 s each. The computed regression analysis showed that higher self-esteem was associated with a shorter gaze duration for both self-face and other-face. This effect may reflect a less critical evaluation of the faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Potthoff
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
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