Narcissistic Traits Test
Take our free narcissistic traits test. Assess grandiosity, entitlement, empathy levels, and attention-seeking patterns. Insightful results. No sign-up needed.
What is narcissism?
Narcissism exists on a continuum. At the healthy end, it represents self-confidence, ambition, and a sense of one's own worth — qualities that are adaptive and socially valued. At the extreme end sits Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), a clinical condition characterised by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Most people — and most high scorers on narcissism tests — fall somewhere between these poles.
Psychologists distinguish between grandiose narcissism (the classic 'overt' type: outwardly confident, attention-seeking, dominant, entitled) and vulnerable narcissism (covert type: hypersensitive to criticism, feels unrecognised, fluctuates between grandiosity and shame). These two types often look very different on the surface but share underlying features of fragile self-esteem and a need for external validation.
A degree of narcissism is normal and even necessary for healthy functioning. The concern arises when narcissistic traits significantly impair empathy for others, generate exploitative behaviour, create unstable relationships, or cause distress. A high score on this test invites reflection — it does not indicate a disorder.
The science of narcissistic traits
Research consistently shows that narcissistic traits are moderately heritable (around 50–60%) and stable across the lifespan. They're shaped by a combination of temperament (high extraversion, low agreeableness) and early attachment experiences — particularly patterns of either overvaluation ('you're exceptional') or emotional neglect without validation.
The Dark Triad — narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy — is a well-studied cluster of traits that share a callous, manipulative orientation. Narcissism in the Dark Triad context is associated with exploitation of others, a sense of entitlement, and low empathy. This is distinct from 'everyday' narcissism, which includes many adaptive features.
Importantly, narcissism is not fixed. While personality traits are relatively stable, people can develop greater empathy, self-awareness, and relational skills through therapy — particularly approaches like schema therapy and mentalization-based treatment. Change requires genuine motivation and sustained effort, but it is possible.
About this test
This test uses items drawn from the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-40) and the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory, two of the most validated narcissism measures in psychological research. It assesses multiple dimensions of narcissism including entitlement, grandiosity, exploitativeness, superiority, and self-sufficiency.
Your score should be read as a measure of narcissistic traits rather than a diagnostic indicator. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist through a comprehensive clinical assessment — it cannot be identified by a self-report questionnaire alone.
People with very high narcissism rarely seek help for narcissism itself — they typically seek help for relationship problems, depression following a significant loss, or other presenting issues. If you're completing this test, the self-reflective capacity required to do so is itself a positive sign.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Score Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 | Low Narcissistic Traits | Your responses suggest low levels of narcissistic traits. You appear to have a grounded, other-oriented perspective in most situations. |
| 15–26 | Moderate Narcissistic Traits | You have some narcissistic traits in the normal range. A degree of self-confidence and self-promotion is healthy and common. |
| 27–36 | Elevated Narcissistic Traits | Your responses suggest elevated narcissistic traits that may sometimes create friction in relationships and professional settings. |
| 37–48 | High Narcissistic Traits | Your responses indicate high narcissistic trait levels. This profile is often associated with interpersonal difficulties and reduced relationship quality. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a high score mean I have Narcissistic Personality Disorder?
No. High narcissistic traits and NPD are different things. NPD is a clinical diagnosis requiring a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional. High narcissistic traits are common and exist on a spectrum — many people with high scores have no disorder.
Can someone with narcissistic traits change?
Yes, but it requires genuine motivation, insight, and usually professional support. Schema therapy and mentalization-based treatment have the best evidence for personality disorder change. The challenge is that narcissism tends to protect against the kind of self-reflection required for change — but it does happen.
What's the difference between confidence and narcissism?
Healthy confidence is stable and doesn't require constant external validation. It's accompanied by genuine empathy for others and can tolerate criticism without collapse. Narcissistic traits involve fragile self-esteem that depends on admiration, difficulty tolerating perceived slights, and limited capacity to genuinely consider others' perspectives.
Is narcissism increasing in modern society?
Research on this is mixed. Some studies (particularly Twenge's data on the NPI) suggest population-level narcissistic traits have increased over recent decades. Others dispute the methodology. Social media environments that reward self-promotion may amplify narcissistic presentation without necessarily increasing underlying narcissistic personality structure.
What if I think someone close to me is narcissistic?
Living with or loving someone with high narcissistic traits is challenging. Psychology Australia and SANE Australia have resources for people in relationships with someone with personality disorder traits. Individual therapy for yourself — even if the other person won't attend — is highly recommended.