The present research proposal aims at investigating the distinction between healthy and pathological narcissism. In particular, the role of empathy is studied.The present study is the first in which patients with narcissistic personality disorder…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Personality disorders and disturbances in behaviour
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
The proposed study addresses two main research questions.
The first question concerns healthy versus pathological narcissism. What
factors contribute to mark a possible distinction between healthy and
pathological narcissism? More specifically, levels of psychological complaints,
self-reflection and insight and levels of implicit and explicit empathy will be
examined among the four groups.
The second research question concerns the changeability of empathic abilities.
Can empathic abilities be altered in healthy and pathological narcissists? To
answer this question, levels of implicit and explicit empathy will be measured
while performing a perspective taking computer task.
For a detailed description of the procedure and instruments used in the study
we refer to the research proposal.
Secondary outcome
Not applicable
Background summary
Previous research has shown that the Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is
closely related to the cause of pain and psychological suffering in others. On
the other hand, research shows that a higher degree of narcissism can also make
a positive contribution to achieving short-term goals, especially in leadership
positions. Narcissistic people are often initially labelled as creative,
resourceful and innovative. In the long run, however, narcissistic leadership
can lead to high interpersonal and social costs due to interpersonal conflicts
and the focus of self-interest at the expense of others and the organization.
On a personal level, high levels of narcissism can lead to relationship
problems, depression (sometimes accompanied by suicidal ideation) and
addiction. One of the reasons for the dysfunctional behaviour of highly
narcissistic individuals is the lack of empathic abilities. However, empirical
studies examining the role of empathy and the changeability of empathy among
narcissistic individuals are very scarce.
Study objective
The present research proposal aims at investigating the distinction between
healthy and pathological narcissism. In particular, the role of empathy is
studied.
The present study is the first in which patients with narcissistic personality
disorder are compared to a high-functioning narcissistic control group, a
well-functioning, low narcissistic control group and a psychiatric control
group. Results can contribute to knowledge about narcissism and (work-related)
functioning and hopefully lead to improvement of psychological treatment for
patients suffering from NPD.
Study design
The study has an observational, cross-sectional design where four groups are
compared to each other. Patients with narcissistic personality disorder (N=30)
are compared to a high-functioning narcissistic control group (N=30), a
well-functioning, low narcissistic control group (N=30), and a psychiatric
control group (N=30).
Study burden and risks
We believe that in the present proposal there are no mentionable risks
associated with participation in the study.
As mentioned before, a single measurement is conducted in which participants
are asked to participate in an interview, fill out questionnaires and
accomplish a computer task in which they are partially exposed to aggressive
images .
Participants can, if necessary, stop at any time during the measurement. The
heart rate measurement is considered hardly invasive as the measurement is
conducted by placing the finger in a portable device. If participants feel
emotional after seeing the aggression related images then a calming
conversation with the experimenter will take place in order to make sure that
participants can easily follow their way home after the measurement. The
participants will be rewarded with a fee of 25 euros.
Lijnbaan 4
Den Haag 2512 VA
NL
Lijnbaan 4
Den Haag 2512 VA
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Patient groups:
- Men between 18 and 65 years old
- Psychiatric diagnosis confirmed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM*IV (SCID II): (Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) or Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD).
Healthy control groups:
- Men between 18 and 65 years old
- Normal or high scores on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI)
- Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score of 70 or higher
Exclusion criteria
Patient groups:
- Current psychotic symptoms
- Serious alcohol or drug dependence
- Current major depression
Healthy control groups:
- Any psychiatric diagnosis or current treatment for psychological problems
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL56829.058.16 |