Comparing Conceptualizations of Narcissism in Predicting Negative Thinking Styles

Research suggests that a dimensional three-factor model of agentic extraversion, narcissistic neuroticism, and self-centered antagonism is the most parsimonious model for describing the personality characteristics of narcissism. Currently, however, pathological narcissism is still often defined utilizing a single-factor model based on the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), leading to mixed results in understanding the link between narcissism and negative thinking styles. Thus, the current study sought to compare the three-factor and one-factor models in predicting specific forms of maladaptive thinking styles within a college student sample (n = 362) utilizing path analysis. The results provided evidence for specific trait domains of narcissism being linked to specific forms of repetitive negative thoughts, with narcissistic neuroticism being the most consistent and strongly associated trait domain with anger rumination, general rumination, worry, and catastrophizing. Self-centered antagonism was strongly associated with anger rumination and catastrophizing and appears to be a protective factor against worry. Thus, this study provided evidence that a dimensional 3-factor model of narcissism provides a better, more nuanced understanding of how narcissism and NPD are related to cognitive dysfunction. Future research is needed to compare other models of narcissism and to better understand the transdiagnostic nature of the different forms of repetitive negative thoughts. Identifying negative thoughts and how they occur within certain personality pathology may inform better clinical practices for impaired thinking styles.