Four studies were conducted with the aim of developing a measure of narcissism that, unlike previous measures, is not inherently pathological. In Study 1, the NPI—the closest approximation to such a measure—was administered to a large-scale sample. Two separate Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) failed to replicate its reported structure, and revealed further psychometric problems. Use of an alternative item format (Likert ratings) was shown to yield much higher reliabilities than the original forced-choice format. Using the Likert item-format, the Profile of Narcissistic Dispositions (POND) was developed in Study 2. The items were based on a comprehensive analysis of the literature on "normal" narcissism. Five reliable subscales emerged from an oblique factor analysis. All five loaded substantially on the first unrotated principal component. The relationship of the POND to established self-report measures was also explored. In Study 3, the POND's structure was replicated and empirical relations were expanded: In particular, the POND showed negative correlations with various self-reports of psychopathology. In Study 4, the POND was shown to predict peer ratings of narcissism. Further peer-ratings elaborated the character of normal narcissism, that is, an interpersonal style that is marked by a dominant and secure but disagreeable social presence.

There is no abstract available for this dissertation.

The thesis has explored the relationship between competition in forensics and personality trait levels. Forensics students' personalities were compared to the non-forensic population by event and number of years of competition. The Edwards Personal Preference Schedule and the Maudsley Personality inventory were used to measure student trait levels. Seventeen traits were tested: Extroversion, Neuroticism, Achievement, Deference; Order, Exhibition, Autonomy, Affiliation, Intraception, Succorance, Dominance, Abasement, Nurturance, Change, Endurance, Heterosexuality, and Aggression.In addition, the-thesis has discussed the ramifications of personality study on forensics students. Implications concerning the forensic coaches use of personality studies, has also beer discussed. It was found that forensic students' personalities differ significantly from the non-forensic population, and that there is significant difference in personality traits according to event specialized and length of experience.

Motivational Distortion is a construct of replicable error characterized by a shift in one's responding on a personality measure from an anonymous role to a role motivated by the testing situation. The Sixteen Personality Factor (16PF) contains an embedded scale designed to measure the this construct. Scores on this scale provide a basis for correcting scores on the primary factors.To date, individual studies on Motivational Distortion have not adequately addressed the construct validity of the scale. The present study utilized a sample of teleeducation students in an attempt determine if varying levels of role aptitude and role-congruent settings does impact Motivational Distortion.The results of regression and Aptitude-by-treatment interaction analysis (ATI) have two implications for Motivational Distortion. Namely, The relation of Motivational Distortion and its components may be moderating instead of causal, and the relation of the construct and other personality factors is more limited. / Department of Psychological Science

Thesis (Ed.D.)--University of Tulsa, 1989. / Bibliography: leaves 48-52.

Thesis (M.A.)--Rowan University, 2006. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Phil) - University of Queensland, 2002. / Includes bibliography.

Thesis (M.A.)--Ohio State University, 1971. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 35). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

Thesis (M.S.)--Villanova University, 2006. / Psychology Dept. Includes bibliographic references.

Four studies were conducted with the aim of developing a measure of narcissism that, unlike previous measures, is not inherently pathological. In Study 1, the NPI—the closest approximation to such a measure—was administered to a large-scale sample. Two separate Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) failed to replicate its reported structure, and revealed further psychometric problems. Use of an alternative item format (Likert ratings) was shown to yield much higher reliabilities than the original forced-choice format. Using the Likert item-format, the Profile of Narcissistic Dispositions (POND) was developed in Study 2. The items were based on a comprehensive analysis of the literature on "normal" narcissism. Five reliable subscales emerged from an oblique factor analysis. All five loaded substantially on the first unrotated principal component. The relationship of the POND to established self-report measures was also explored. In Study 3, the POND's structure was replicated and empirical relations were expanded: In particular, the POND showed negative correlations with various self-reports of psychopathology. In Study 4, the POND was shown to predict peer ratings of narcissism. Further peer-ratings elaborated the character of normal narcissism, that is, an interpersonal style that is marked by a dominant and secure but disagreeable social presence. / Arts, Faculty of / Psychology, Department of / Graduate