Narcissistic needs of the self and perceptions of interpersonal behavior.

Abstract

A total of 78 mental health clients participating in therapy groups completed self-report measures corresponding to narcissistic personality defects derived from a self-psychology perspective and ratings of themselves on a checklist of interpersonal behavior. Also, pairs of group leaders were asked to rate clients on interpersonal behaviors. Results indicated a clear convergence of narcissistic needs and self-perceptions of interpersonal behaviors: Those with strong grandiose-exhibitionistic needs viewed themselves as having both dominant and friendly behavior, whereas those with strong idealizing needs viewed themselves as being submissive and moderately hostile. Therapist ratings of interpersonal behaviors did not yield as many significant correlations with self-ratings of narcissistic needs: Those with grandiose-exhibitionistic needs were observed using dominant behavior and those with idealizing needs were observed using submissive behavior. The premise of this study is that the narcissistic needs of the self should be related to interpersonal behavior. Kohut (1971, 1977, 1984) constructed a comprehensive develop-mental theory called psychology of the self, in which narcis-sistic needs refer to the natural striving toward self-expression