Narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for excessive admiration. While we all possess some narcissistic traits, certain personality types are more prone to developing full-blown narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). In this article, we’ll explore which of the major personality types tends to be the most narcissistic.
The Big Five Personality Types
In psychology, the Big Five personality traits are broadly accepted as the model that best encapsulates the basic dimensions of human personality. The Big Five traits are:
- Openness to experience – appreciation for art, emotion, adventure, unusual ideas, curiosity, and variety of experience.
- Conscientiousness – tendency to be organized, disciplined, and achievement-focused.
- Extraversion – tendency to seek stimulation in the company of others, talkativeness, assertiveness, and high amounts of emotional expressiveness.
- Agreeableness – tendency to be compassionate and cooperative rather than suspicious and antagonistic towards others.
- Neuroticism – tendency to experience unpleasant emotions easily, such as anger, anxiety, depression, and vulnerability.
While each of us possesses all five traits to some degree, certain traits are usually more dominant within an individual’s personality makeup. When looking at narcissism through the lens of the Big Five model, one trait stands out as most closely linked to narcissistic tendencies.
The Most Narcissistic Big Five Trait: Low Agreeableness
Of the Big Five personality traits, low agreeableness shows the strongest association with narcissistic characteristics. Those who score low in agreeableness tend to be more selfish, uncooperative, distrustful, and competitive. They are less likely to value getting along with others or show consideration for people’s feelings.
While narcissists can sometimes display a superficially charming front, this is usually a means to an end in manipulating others for attention, praise, or favors. True concern for others’ well-being is typically absent in narcissists.
Some key features of low agreeableness that align with narcissism include:
- Lack of interest in others’ needs or emotions
- Cynicism, skepticism and distrust of others’ motives
- View relationships as opportunities for gain or advantage
- Willingness to manipulate, deceive, and exploit others
- Hostility and lack of compassion for those seen as inferior
- Tendency to be arrogant, smug, argumentative and competitive
Those low in agreeableness are primarily looking out for themselves and have little problem stepping on others to get ahead. This echoes the central mentality and behaviors of narcissism.
Other Personality Traits Associated with Narcissism
While low agreeableness may be the strongest correlation, other Big Five traits also relate to narcissistic tendencies to varying degrees. These include:
- High extroversion – narcissists’ constant need for validation and attention makes them prone to exhibitionism and exaggerated self-display.
- Neuroticism – the fragile self-esteem and sensitivity to criticism of narcissists manifests in neurotic tendencies like anger, anxiety, and defensiveness.
- Low conscientiousness – narcissists tend to lack discipline and ethics in pursuit of their ego-driven goals.
However, there are outliers. Some narcissists score high in conscientiousness and are very disciplined and organized in how they present themselves to elicit admiration. And narcissism does not necessarily require extroversion – covert narcissists intentionally present themselves as shy, mild-mannered and unassuming as a facade.
Personality Types Most Prone to Narcissism
Looking at common personality categorizations, these types appear to be among the most prone to high degrees of narcissism:
ENTJ – “The Commander”
This Myers-Briggs personality type tends to be highly driven, ambitious and blunt. Their expectation of respect and authority over others lends itself to narcissistic tendencies.
ESTP – “The Entrepreneur”
Forceful, pragmatic thrill-seekers, ESTPs focus on gaining social status and commanding attention from peers. Their charm and risk-taking can manifest in manipulative and reckless behavior.
Type 8 – “The Challenger”
On the Enneagram, assertive, confrontational Type 8s pursue control over their environment and demonstrate their strength. Their flair for drama and crisis can feed narcissistic pride.
| Personality Type | Key Traits |
|---|---|
| ENTJ | Ambitious, direct, commanding, seek leadership roles |
| ESTP | Charming, bold, competitive, seek social status |
| Type 8 | Wilful, dominating, confrontational, crusade for power |
Conclusion
While narcissistic tendencies can arise in anyone, certain personality types are more prone to develop full-blown NPD based on their inherent traits. Low agreeableness appears to be the strongest Big Five predictor, along with accompanying high extroversion and neuroticism. Types that prioritize authority, attention-seeking, and gaining social dominance are also more narcissism-prone.
However, bear in mind that narcissism sits on a spectrum. Many people display some degree of narcissism without meeting clinical criteria for NPD. And personalities are multifaceted – no one fits neatly into a type. Still, looking at key traits provides insight into which dispositions may carry greater risk of unhealthy narcissism.