Narcissism and the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorder

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Section III alternative model of personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is assessed via required elevations on 2 of 4 Criterion A domains of personality dysfunction (i.e., self-direction, identity, empathy, intimacy) and 2 personality traits (Criterion B: attention seeking and grandiosity). Evidence to date suggests that these 2 traits successfully account for variance in scores in traditionally (i.e., Section II) assessed NPD and grandiose narcissism but leave substantial variance unaccounted for in the more broadly psychopathological construct of vulnerable narcissism. When tested simultaneously in the statistical prediction of NPD and narcissism scores, the Criterion B trait composite accounts for much greater unique variance than the Criterion A personality functioning domains. In general, the crIterion B traits associated with NPD are robustly related to narcissism, although several other traits also demonstrate substantial correlations with various narcissism measures (e.g., manipulativeness, callousness, deceitfulness) that may warrant further attention when assessing for narcissistic psychopathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).