Personality Test Narcissistic Personality Disorder 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Covert (or vulnerable) narcissism differs from overt (grandiose) narcissism in that covert narcissists:
- Show openly arrogant and dominant behavior
- Present as shy and hypersensitive while harboring grandiose fantasies (Correct answer)
- Lack any self-referential thinking
- Are more likely to seek help voluntarily
Correct answer: Present as shy and hypersensitive while harboring grandiose fantasies
Covert narcissism involves hidden grandiosity combined with hypersensitivity to criticism and a victim-like presentation, contrasting with overt narcissism's bold self-aggrandizement.
Question 2: 'Narcissistic rage' typically occurs when:
- A person with NPD receives excessive praise
- A person with NPD experiences a narcissistic injury or perceived slight (Correct answer)
- Medication levels are too low
- Therapy goals are being achieved
Correct answer: A person with NPD experiences a narcissistic injury or perceived slight
Narcissistic rage is an intense emotional reaction triggered by a narcissistic injury — any perceived threat or insult to the person's inflated self-image.
Question 3: Which psychological defense mechanism is most central to the functioning of individuals with NPD?
- Sublimation
- Projection and idealization/devaluation (Correct answer)
- Intellectualization
- Regression
Correct answer: Projection and idealization/devaluation
People with NPD frequently use projection (attributing flaws to others) and oscillate between idealizing and devaluing others to protect their fragile self-esteem.
Question 4: NPD is classified in the DSM-5 under which personality disorder cluster?
- Cluster A (odd/eccentric)
- Cluster B (dramatic/emotional) (Correct answer)
- Cluster C (anxious/fearful)
- Cluster D (paranoid/delusional)
Correct answer: Cluster B (dramatic/emotional)
NPD belongs to Cluster B, which includes personality disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior patterns.
Question 5: Research on NPD and gender shows that:
- NPD is equally distributed across all genders
- NPD is diagnosed more frequently in males than females (Correct answer)
- NPD is exclusively diagnosed in females
- Gender has no relationship to NPD prevalence
Correct answer: NPD is diagnosed more frequently in males than females
Epidemiological studies consistently find higher rates of NPD diagnosis in males, though debate continues about whether this reflects true prevalence or diagnostic bias.
Question 6: Which of the following is a common comorbidity with NPD?
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders and mood disorders (Correct answer)
- Specific phobias only
- Intellectual disability
Correct answer: Substance use disorders and mood disorders
NPD frequently co-occurs with substance use disorders, major depressive disorder, and other personality disorders, particularly Antisocial PD.
Covert (or vulnerable) narcissism differs from overt (grandiose) narcissism in that covert narcissists: