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Factor analysis and construct validity of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory
1Dept. of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 61820, USA.
The Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) demonstrates strong construct validity across three studies. Findings confirm its reliability in measuring narcissistic traits and their relation to personality dimensions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- The Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) is a widely used self-report questionnaire.
- Assessing the construct validity of psychological instruments is crucial for reliable measurement.
- Previous research has explored the structure and correlates of narcissism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence for the construct validity of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI).
- To examine the factor structure of the NPI.
- To investigate the relationship between NPI scores and other personality and self-variables.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Factor analysis of NPI responses.
- Study 2: Correlational analysis of NPI scores with personality dimensions and self-variables.
- Study 3: Comparison of NPI scores with peer ratings of narcissism.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis revealed four distinct NPI factors: Exploitativeness/Entitlement, Leadership/Authority, Superiority/Arrogance, and Self-absorption/Self-admiration.
- NPI scores positively correlated with dominance, exhibitionism, extraversion, self-esteem, and self-monitoring.
- NPI scores negatively correlated with abasement, deference, and social anxiety.
- Peer ratings of narcissism were strongly related to NPI scores.
Conclusions:
- The three studies collectively provide substantial evidence for the construct validity of the NPI.
- The NPI effectively measures various facets of narcissism and its associated psychological constructs.
- Further research directions for the NPI are suggested based on these findings.
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