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Can coders detect grandiose narcissism in others?

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Abstract

We examined the extent to which coders reach consensus and are accurate in detecting grandiose narcissism in others based on reading transcripts of interviews. We obtained personality questionnaires and semi-structured interviews about reasoning concerning several common, everyday transgressions from 147 people. Four coders independently read transcriptions of the interviews and rated participants on qualities such as narcissism, grandiosity, and likeability. Results revealed that even with minimal cues, to some extent coders were able to detect the narcissistic qualities of others.

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Notes

  1. A regression analysis revealed that perceived “off-putting qualities” predicted likeability (β = −.878, t = −20.56, p < .001) whereas perceived extraversion did not (β = −.024, t = −0.557, p = .578). Interestingly, for the “obnoxious” variable, both “off-putting qualities” (β = .711, t = 13.344, p < .001) and perceived extraversion (β = .460, t = 8.632, p < .001) were predictors.

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Correspondence to Amy B. Brunell.

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Brunell, A.B., Wicker, J.L., Deems, N.P. et al. Can coders detect grandiose narcissism in others?. Curr Psychol 40, 1601–1607 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-018-0085-3

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