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Comparing Conceptualizations of Narcissism in Predicting Negative Thinking Styles

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Abstract

Research suggests that a dimensional three-factor model of agentic extraversion, narcissistic neuroticism, and self-centered antagonism is the most parsimonious model for describing the personality characteristics of narcissism. Currently, however, pathological narcissism is still often defined utilizing a single-factor model based on the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), leading to mixed results in understanding the link between narcissism and negative thinking styles. Thus, the current study sought to compare the three-factor and one-factor models in predicting specific forms of maladaptive thinking styles within a college student sample (n = 362) utilizing path analysis. The results provided evidence for specific trait domains of narcissism being linked to specific forms of repetitive negative thoughts, with narcissistic neuroticism being the most consistent and strongly associated trait domain with anger rumination, general rumination, worry, and catastrophizing. Self-centered antagonism was strongly associated with anger rumination and catastrophizing and appears to be a protective factor against worry. Thus, this study provided evidence that a dimensional 3-factor model of narcissism provides a better, more nuanced understanding of how narcissism and NPD are related to cognitive dysfunction. Future research is needed to compare other models of narcissism and to better understand the transdiagnostic nature of the different forms of repetitive negative thoughts. Identifying negative thoughts and how they occur within certain personality pathology may inform better clinical practices for impaired thinking styles.

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Notes

  1. Given that the NPI-21 can also be broken down into four subscales (i.e., leadership/power, exhibitionism/self-admiration, uniqueness/entitlement, and superiority/arrogance), the FFM domains of narcissism were also tested against the NPI broken into its four domains following the same pattern of analyses as presented in the current study. In the final model, the only additional significant pathway was from the NPI exhibitionism/self-admiration subscale to the CERQ general rumination scale. Full results are available upon request from the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgements

We thank all the DeShong Laboratory undergraduate and graduate research assistants for their effort in research discussions, data collection, and for promoting a positive lab environment.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6161, Starkville, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA

    Courtney K. Mason & Hilary L. DeShong

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Dr. Hilary L. DeShong and Mrs. Courtney Mason contributed to the study conception, design, and data analysis. Material preparation and data collection were performed by Mrs. Courtney Mason. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Mrs. Courtney Mason. Dr. Hilary L. DeShong edited previous versions of the manuscript and wrote part of the results section. Dr. Hilary L. DeShong led the revision process, which included running additional analyses and adding information into the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Mason, C.K., DeShong, H.L. Comparing Conceptualizations of Narcissism in Predicting Negative Thinking Styles. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 46, 126–136 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10862-023-10085-1

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