Measuring Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism in Adolescents

Abstract

The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) has been widely used with adults. Its vulnerable and grandiose dimensions have been differentially associated with psychopathology and interpersonal difficulties. While the PNI has been used with adolescents, its structure and correlates remain to be investigated. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the French PNI for adolescents and its association with indices of dysfunction. A total of 570 adolescents completed the PNI, the Youth Self Reportto assess internalizing and externalizing difficulties, and the Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents to assess self-esteem. Results showed that the first and second-order factor structure of the PNI for adolescents is identical to the one found in adults. Temporal stability at one month was good. Between gender differences, as well as correlations between PNI dimensions, internalizing and externalizing difficulties, and self-esteem further add to the conclusion that the French PNI-A has good psychometric properties. Key words: adolescence, narcissism, measure, french, pathological narcissism inventory