Sexual narcissism: a validation study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Personality Disorders

Background:

• Sexual narcissism, characterized by egocentric sexual behavior, is linked to Cluster B personality disorders.
• Previous research validated this link with borderline and histrionic personality disorders.
• The relationship between sexual narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically compare sexual behavior and related psychological factors in men with NPD versus a control group.
• To explore the validity of sexual narcissism as a characteristic of NPD.
• To investigate differences in self-esteem, sexual attitudes, gender roles, and sexual preoccupation.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design was employed.
• Participants included males aged 24-33 years with diagnosed NPD and a matched control group without personality disorders.
• Data collection involved systematic comparison of psychological and behavioral variables.

Main Results:

• NPD group exhibited significantly lower self-esteem and more negative attitudes toward sex.
• Narcissistic men displayed greater egocentric sexual behavior, more traditional gender-role orientation, and higher sexual preoccupation.
• No significant differences were found in sexual depression, but narcissistic men reported significantly higher sexual esteem.

Conclusions:

• NPD in men is associated with specific patterns of sexual behavior and attitudes, including egocentrism and preoccupation.
• Findings suggest a complex relationship between narcissism, self-esteem, and sexual functioning.
• Sexual narcissism may manifest differently in NPD compared to other Cluster B disorders, particularly regarding sexual esteem.