Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory among Chinese university students

J Pers Assess. 2013;95(3):309-18. doi: 10.1080/00223891.2012.718303. Epub 2012 Sep 11.

Abstract

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) is a multidimensional measure of narcissistic pathology. This study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the PNI in a sample of Chinese university students in Hong Kong. Eight hundred and thirty-one students completed an online battery of questionnaires assessing narcissistic pathology, self-esteem, unstable sense of self, and maladaptive self-defense strategies. Results replicated the 7 first-order factors and the 2 second-order factors of the PNI. Each of the 7 first-order factors and the 2 second-order factors had good internal consistency. Preliminary findings also supported the concurrent validity of the PNI. The PNI appeared to be a valid measure of narcissistic pathology among Chinese. Findings of this study suggest that the core pathology of pathological narcissism might involve an inflated sense of self-importance that is not substantiated by actual achievement, and bearing this unsubstantiated sense of self-importance renders narcissists highly susceptible to self-deflation when their narcissistic needs are not met.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asian People / psychology
  • China
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Narcissism*
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Personality Inventory*
  • Psychometrics
  • Self Concept*
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities