Sample
Gebauer et al. (2012) utilized a variety of samples (college students and online participant pools) across differ-
ent countries (Germany, United States, and the United Kingdom). The total sample size comprised an impressive
2774 participants.
Reliability
Internal Consistency
The CNI authors reported Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from .86 to .95 across 13 samples.
Test/C0Retest
The authors reported an 8-week test /C0retest reliability of .71, only slightly lower than the .79 coefficient they
found for agentic narcissism (as measured by the NPI).
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
To demonstrate convergent validity, the authors also developed a communal overclaiming measure based on the
technique previously developed to measure agentic self-enhancement ( Paulhus, Harms, Bruce, & Lysy, 2003 ). For
example, those scoring high on the CNI claimed to recognize such fake items as ‘the UN act against childism’.
Correlations between the CNI and communal overclaiming were significant (.26, .26, and .18) in the three samples
where both measures were included ( Gebauer et al., 2012 , p. 868).
Divergent/Discriminant
Gebauer et al. (2012) had reported that free descriptions of grandiose thoughts separated into agentic and com-
munal categories. Across 10 samples, correlations averaged .27 between the CNI and the NPI /C0the standard
measure of agentic narcissism. CNI scores were independent of agentic overclaiming ( r5.02).
Construct/Factor Analytic
Confirmatory factor analysis showed distinct factors for agentic and communal items.
Criterion/Predictive
The CNI predicted self-other discrepancies on communion.
Location
Gebauer, J.E., Sedikides, C., Verplanken, B., & Maio, G.R. (2012). Communal narcissism. Journal of Personality
and Social Psychology, 103 , 854/C0878.
Results and Comments
The CNI provides a contrast with the NPI and other measures that target agentic forms of narcissism.
Nonetheless, the authors interpret their behavior as a form of grandiosity. Although they claim saint-like attri-
butes, the sanctimonious exaggerations of communal narcissists lead others to dislike them.
COMMUNAL NARCISSISM INVENTORY
Please rate your agreement with each of the items
below by choosing a number between (1) disagree
strongly and (7) agree strongly .
1.I am the most helpful person I know.
2.I am going to bring peace and justice to the world.
3.I am the best friend someone can have.
4.I will be well-known for the deeds I have done.
5.I am (going to be) the best parent on this planet.
6.I am the most caring person in my social surrounding.
7.In the future, I will be well known for solving the
world’s problems.8.I greatly enrich others’ lives.
9.I will bring freedom to the people.
10.I am an amazing listener.
11.I will be able to solve world poverty.
12.I have a very positive influence on others.
13.I am generally the most understanding person.
14.I make the world a much more beautiful place.
15.I am extraordinarily trustworthy.
16.I will be famous for increasing people’s well-being.
Note: Reproduced with permission.580 20. MEASURES OF DARK PERSONALITIES
V. VICES AND VIRTUES