Narcissism and self-esteem: A nomological network analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Narcissism and self-esteem are often perceived as similar due to positive self-regard.
• Understanding their distinct nomological networks is crucial for differentiating these constructs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To broadly compare the nomological networks of grandiose narcissism and explicit self-esteem.
• To examine their relations to developmental experiences, individual differences, interpersonal functioning, and psychopathology.

Main Methods:

• Pooled data from 11 existing samples (N = 4711).
• Compared the relationships of narcissism and self-esteem across various psychological domains.

Main Results:

• Both constructs positively correlate with agentic traits and assertive interpersonal styles.
• Self-esteem is adaptive, negatively linked to internalizing psychopathology, and unrelated to externalizing behaviors.
• Narcissism is associated with callousness, grandiosity, entitlement, and demeaning attitudes, explaining its link to maladaptive outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Narcissism and self-esteem, despite superficial similarities, have distinct nomological networks.
• Self-esteem is a wholly adaptive construct, whereas narcissism is associated with significant maladaptive traits and interpersonal functioning.