Narcissism, variability in self-concept, and well-being

The present research examined whether narcissism is related to higher variability in self-concept across roles and time points. Three indices of self-concept variability across roles were formulated based on the participants’ self-ratings for personality attributes. A probabilistic sample in Study 1 as well as a student sample in Study 2 revealed that the narcissistic personality inventory (NPI) positively correlated with the variability indices, except for the self-concept differentiation (SCD), while well-being measures were only related to SCD. The student sample also showed a significant correlation between NPI and longitudinal variability in self-concept within a month-long interval. Implications for the instability of the narcissistic self-concept and its relationship with psychological well-being are discussed.

► We examine the relationship between narcissism and self-concept variability.
► Self-concept differentiation (SCD) seems to be biased statistically.
► On modified indices, higher narcissism relates to higher variability.
► SCD correlates with various well-being measures.
► Modified indices and narcissism have little relationship with well-being.