Dark Triad · personality trait
Narcissism
An inflated self-image, a need for admiration, and a sense of deserving more than others.
At a glance
In plain words
Narcissism describes an inflated self-image: seeing yourself as especially important, talented or lovable — and wanting to be admired for it. A little of it sits in almost everyone. It's a personality trait everyone has to some degree, not an illness.
Typical signs are a need for recognition, a feeling of "I deserve more," and sensitivity to criticism. A healthy level of self-worth is completely normal and even useful; it only becomes a problem when the self-image is propped up at other people's expense.
Important: the everyday (subclinical) narcissism discussed here is different from clinical narcissistic personality disorder — which only a professional can diagnose.
lower higher
Direction of typical associations (not exact values). Based on Paulhus & Williams (2002) and SD3 research.
Not either-or: the trait is distributed like a bell curve — most people sit in the middle, few at the extremes. (Illustration)
The science
Definition & framing
Within the Dark Triad framework (Paulhus & Williams, 2002), narcissism is a subclinical, dimensionally distributed personality trait marked by grandiosity, entitlement, feelings of superiority, a strong need for admiration, and reduced empathy.
The term comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus and was shaped in psychology by Ellis (1898) and Freud (1914), among others. Today researchers distinguish grandiose (confident, dominant, exhibitionistic) from vulnerable (sensitive, shame-prone) narcissism.
Facets
Commonly cited components include leadership/authority, grandiose exhibitionism, and entitlement/exploitativeness. Newer models also separate an "admiration" strategy (self-promotion) from a "rivalry" strategy (devaluing others).
Measurement
Narcissism is classically assessed with the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI; Raskin & Hall, 1979). Within the Dark Triad, researchers use short scales such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3; Jones & Paulhus, 2014; 9 items per trait) or the "Dirty Dozen" (Jonason & Webster, 2010).
Correlates & distinction
Subclinical narcissism correlates positively with extraversion and (short-term) self-esteem, and negatively with agreeableness. It can help people emerge into leadership roles but carries interpersonal costs.
Clinical narcissistic personality disorder (NPD, DSM-5) is the rare, seriously impairing extreme and is clearly separate from the everyday trait.
Important
This page explains an everyday personality trait, not a diagnosis. An online test is no substitute for a psychological or medical assessment. If you are distressed, please talk to a professional.
Learn moreFrequently asked
Is narcissism a mental disorder?
No. The subclinical trait described here is normally distributed in the general population. Only the rare, seriously impairing extreme is narcissistic personality disorder — and only a professional can diagnose it.
Is a bit of narcissism bad?
Not necessarily. Healthy self-worth is useful. It becomes a problem when recognition is demanded persistently at others' expense.
What's the difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism?
Grandiose narcissism looks confident, dominant and exhibitionistic; vulnerable narcissism is more sensitive, shame-prone and easily threatened by slights.
How is narcissism measured?
Classically with the NPI (Raskin & Hall, 1979); within the Dark Triad with short scales such as the SD3 (Jones & Paulhus, 2014).
Where do you land?
The darkquiz test places you on all three axes of the Dark Triad — through everyday scenarios, in a few minutes.
Take the testThe other two traits
Sources
- Paulhus & Williams (2002), Journal of Research in Personality, 36, 556–563
- Jones & Paulhus (2014), Short Dark Triad (SD3), Assessment, 21(1), 28–41
- Lee & Ashton (2005), Dark Triad in the HEXACO model, Personality and Individual Differences, 38, 1571–1582
- Dark Triad — Wikipedia (overview & further references)