The five scales of observed narcissism
We measure five core interpersonal patterns based on established personality research: (1) Grandiosity — exaggerated self-importance, specialness, or fragile ego defense around status and recognition; (2) Empathy Deficit — difficulty tuning in, validating others' feelings, or caring about impact when it conflicts with their wants; (3) Entitlement — expecting exceptions, priority, or compliance as if it were owed, and reacting with resentment when the world does not bend; (4) Attention Seeking — pulling focus back to themselves, monopolizing airtime, or needing the emotional temperature of the room to revolve around them; and (5) Exploitativeness — using charm, guilt, leverage, or convenience to extract effort, access, or forgiveness without a balanced return. Each scale consists of 5 items, yielding a localized severity index.
Reference: Pincus, A. L., et al. (2009). Initial construction and clinical validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory. Assessment, 16(3), 248-265.
The informant-report methodology and its limits
Because individuals with high levels of pathological narcissism rarely seek assessment or self-report accurately, clinical research heavily utilizes informant-report methods (assessments completed by spouses, family, or colleagues). This test is an environment-surface tool assessing observed actions, not a diagnostic instrument. It cannot identify Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is a clinical diagnosis that can only be made by a licensed mental health professional examining the individual directly. If you are experiencing distress, abuse, or feel unsafe in your environment, please consult local mental health or domestic support services immediately; a screening test is not a substitute for professional or crisis intervention.
Reference: Miller, J. D., et al. (2010). Informant-reports of narcissism: The utility of proxy-reports in personality disorder research. Journal of Personality Disorders, 24(5), 629-648.
Differentiating grandiose (overt) and vulnerable (covert) patterns
Narcissistic behavior generally manifests in two ways: grandiose (overt) and vulnerable (covert). Grandiose patterns are outward, boastful, and exhibitionist, characterized by an inflated sense of superiority. Vulnerable patterns, by contrast, are characterized by hypersensitivity, defensiveness, and an introverted sense of unique suffering or victimization. While both share a core of self-absorption, entitlement, and empathy deficits, a screening for covert signs must capture the passive-aggressive communication, quiet resentment, and subtle emotional manipulation that define the vulnerable presentation. Our items are carefully balanced to capture both of these distinct styles.
Reference: Hendin, H. M., & Cheek, J. M. (1997). Assessing hypersensitive narcissism: A brief measure of vulnerable narcissism. Journal of Research in Personality, 31(4), 588-599.
Severity interpretation and safety-focused boundary plans
Scores are reported on a continuum from 'Low or Negligible' to 'Severe and Systemic' for each of the five dimensions. The purpose of this reporting is not to label the individual permanently, but to give you a clear, objective map of the specific behaviors you are coping with. Research demonstrates that identifying specific, concrete patterns of behavior (such as gaslighting or exploitative guilt trips) makes it significantly easier to plan effective 'grey rock' communication strategies, set unyielding boundaries, or make informed decisions about whether to maintain, limit, or end the relationship.