Are you a Narcissist?

[Kisito]

Oh ok; 3.5

 

[Minas Tirith]

Apples and oranges. The question has nothing to do with a diagnosis of "the mental disorder of narcissism" or its status as a diagnostic category. It is a simple question, phrased without reference to NPD, used in a study to see how well answering that simple question correlates with actual measures of NPD. It turns out it does correlate. That's about it.

I still don't get it. If it does correlate, as you and the docs claim, then this thread would prove that everyone who rated themselves a 6 or 7 here belong to the top creme-de-la-creme of narcissism. Or am I missing something?

Knowing some of the posters here who did rate that way I really doubt it. I grew up with a narcissist, was in a relationship with another and knew a couple more along the way. Their behaviour was worlds apart from the members here in the thread (agreed that I don't them in RL, but still, you get an idea what someone is posting). I once told my narcissistic ex-partner that I found his behaviour narcissistic and he freaked out completely, denying it.

Confused,
M.T.

 

[Meager1]

Is a 2 way outta the ball park?

 

[hesperides]

In a subjective sense, it depends on how strong I´m judging myself. The more I judge myself, the more the rate is raising. On the deeper side, this doesn´t mean that when I don´t judge myself I don´t have narcissistic traits, but that I have a better chance to see them. The crux of the matter here is rating myself based on real observation without falling in the trap of the wishful thinking 'I have to be a good and nice person', which then may lead me to beating up nefarious behaviours so as to be in better control, albeit still in denial, even if rating myself with a 7.

Quote from: Whitecoast

What would an actual narcissist say in response to this question? I'm sure a lot would claim 7 because they see themselves as so altruistic because of the things they do for their families or friends.

Maybe you intended to say 1 instead of 7? If I´d ask my narcissistic mother whether she sees in herself egoistic traits, she would be very offended, but if before asking her I would imply that these traits are attractive to other people and useful in life, then she´d be happy to rate herself with a 7 without blinking. I don´t think a real narcissist could possibly know what this question refers to and therefore their answer may vary anywhere between 1 and 7, depending on their particular circumstances and mood when they are asked the question.

My rating is 7 when I´m lazy. But while doing something worthy, this question wouldn´t occur to me.

 

[Yas]

6 or 7

 

[Gary]

3.5

 

[hesperides]

Quote form: Whitecoast

I just noticed I made a mistake in thinking 7 is low. I meant to say many narcissists would select 1 because they feel so hard done by others, even after all the good deeds they do.

I´ve just read it now. Forget about my later comment!

 

[truth seeker]

In terms of non pathological NPD, I'm not sure anyone can accurately answer this question on their own but would probably need others to answer it for them since they can see us more clearly than we see ourselves.

If we're specifically talking about those with the actual disorder NPD, I think those people would give themselves a lower score due to their complete inability to see themselves. I don't think a true narcissist could/would admit it because they think their behavior is completely normal. To them, it's the behaviors of others that's the problem. Fwiw.

 

[beetlemaniac]

I think it's all a matter of utility. It can be helpful to behave more self centered at certain times, and when the opportunity arises, you can give of yourself. I would rate myself on a range of 3-7 depending on the situation. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how much of a narcissist I am because of the fluidity of experience. I do like Puck's description. Makes sense to have a healthy amount of self-love from which you can tap into and give to others. Serve others through serving yourself.

 

[Iron]

5 or 6. Maybe Seven depending on external conditions (my old reaction machine).

I wonder what Laura is hinting at with this "experiment"?

 

[Moonbird]

In terms of non pathological NPD, I'm not sure anyone can accurately answer this question on their own but would probably need others to answer it for them since they can see us more clearly than we see ourselves.

This is what I've been thinking too. I guess I would rate myself a 3.5, because I exist here in this 3D STS dimension - this is where I fit. Although I would be curious to know what others who know me would say.

 

[Beau]

I'm gonna say 4.

 

[Palinurus]

Having slept over it and after reading the responses up to now, I think I concur most with what Turgon said:

I definitely meet the criteria of having narcissistic tendencies but I wouldn't say I am a narcissist (7). I think over the years and especially the last few months, I've seen a steady decrease in those tendencies, or maybe more appropriately I've been learning to not identify with those traits and have a good laugh over how pointless it is to be so 'into myself'. But that's a definite work in progress but there isn't definite value in thinking of others more than myself and that is helping to create a healthier ego rather than an overblown/grandiose one, or at the other end, a worthless sense of one's self.

 

[loreta]

Lets say 6 or 7. Some situations I am narcissist but I am seeing that I am a narcissist.

 

[suelarue]

I grew up with a pathologically narcissistic brother where his image and how he is perceived is everything to him. In comparison to what I observe in both him and myself, I would rate myself about a 4.