Narcissistic Features of Personality and Their Correlation with Self-attitude in Young Adult Sample

Abstract

Article presents results of the study aimed at assessing the correlation between narcissistic features of personality and self-attitude factors in the sample of young adults. The sample (N=67) included young adults aged 17–30, 59 female (88,1%) and 8 male (11,9%). The main part of the sample consisted of university students – 58 respondents (84,1%). Methods: The Dirty Dozen (Jonason, Webster, 2010; adapted by Egorova, Sitnikova, Parshikova, 2015), Narcissistic Personality Traits Inventory (Shamshikova, Klepikova, 2010), Ten Item Personality Measure (Gosling, Rentfrow, Swann, 2003; adapted by Kornilova, Chumakova, 2016), and Questionnaire of Self-Attitude (Stolin, Pantileev, 1988). Statistical analysis included correlation analysis (Spearman’s correlations) and multiple linear regressions (stepwise). The results show significant correlations between self-attitude scales and the Dark Triad and narcissistic features of personality. Most of the correlations are negative excluding the scales of self-interest, self-sympathy, and expected attitude of others. Lack of empathy and envy for others’ successes are more characteristic of the respondents with predominant negative notions of their personality (vulnerable narcissism). Influence of the dark triad and narcissistic features of personality on self-attitude factors is negative except for grandiose self-worth and belief in one's uniqueness. The yielded results reflect the contradictions within self-attitude defined by the combination of grandiosity and inferiority as the main characteristics of the narcissistic personality.