Expanding the Nomological Net of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory: German Validation and Extension in a Clinical Inpatient Sample

Abstract

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) is a multidimensional measure for assessing grandiose and vulnerable features in narcissistic pathology. The aim of the present research was to construct and validate a German translation of the PNI and to provide further information on the PNI's nomological net. Findings from a first study confirm the psychometric soundness of the PNI and replicate its seven-factor first-order structure. A second-order structure was also supported but with several equivalent models. A second study investigating associations with a broad range of measures ( DSM Axis I and II constructs, emotions, personality traits, interpersonal and dysfunctional behaviors, and well-being) supported the concurrent validity of the PNI. Discriminant validity with the Narcissistic Personality Inventory was also shown. Finally, in a third study an extension in a clinical inpatient sample provided further evidence that the PNI is a useful tool to assess the more pathological end of narcissism.

Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism in Borderline Personality Disorder

“…This is in line with findings that female narcissism generally appears to be more vulnerable [48]. Some studies have also indicated that there are associations between the PNI and features of BPD, e.g., number of SCID-II criteria met [31, 44], the Inventory of Personality Organization [30, 49], or the Borderline Personality Questionnaire [50]. …”

“…In the German version, 2 items were added for the exploitative subscale with respect to the original 52-item questionnaire [31]. The PNI has shown good or acceptable internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability with no substantial differences between the original and the German version [30, 31, 53]. The alpha reliability in our study was 0.928.…”

“…The alpha reliability in our study was 0.928. In line with recommendations by Morf et al [31], all 7 lower-order factors were considered. Applying the German version of the PNI, we relied on its validation study and included “entitlement rage” in the grandiose factor model [30, 31].…”

“…The lower-order factors loading onto grandiosity are exploitative, grandiose fantasy, self-sacrificing self-enhancement, and entitlement rage, whereas the lower-order subscales loading onto vulnerability are devaluing, contingent self-esteem, and hiding the self. In the German version, 2 items were added for the exploitative subscale with respect to the original 52-item questionnaire [31]. The PNI has shown good or acceptable internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability with no substantial differences between the original and the German version [30, 31, 53].…”

“…On the other hand, the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) [30] appears to be a suitable instrument to assess both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and has recently been validated in its German version [31]. Evidence suggests that the PNI measures narcissistic traits appropriately [32-37], although it has been criticized for not sufficiently assessing grandiose narcissism [38].…”