Relationship Between Narcissistic Traits and Self-Esteem Among College Students

Abstract. This study examined the relationship between narcissistic traits and self-esteem among college students in Bacoor City, Cavite. Specifically, it sought to determine the level of narcissistic traits, the level of self-esteem, and the significant relationship between the two variables. A quantitative correlational research design was employed involving 100 college student respondents selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Reliability analysis indicated good internal consistency for the NPI (α = .861) and acceptable internal consistency for the RSES (α = .785). Descriptive statistics and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis were used to analyze the data. Results showed that respondents obtained a mean narcissistic trait score of 11.50 (SD = 6.780) and a mean self-esteem score of 23.89 (SD = 5.214). Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant weak negative relationship between narcissistic traits and self-esteem, r(98) = -.251, p = .012. The findings indicate that respondents with higher narcissistic trait scores tended to report slightly lower self-esteem scores. Although the relationship was statistically significant, its weak magnitude suggests that narcissistic traits explain only a small portion of the variation in self-esteem. The findings contribute to the limited local literature on narcissistic traits and self-esteem among Filipino college students and highlight the importance of considering multiple factors that may influence self-evaluation during emerging adulthood. Future studies may examine additional variables and specific dimensions of narcissism to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their relationship with self-esteem. Keywords: College Student; Correlational Research Design; Emerging Adult; Narcissistic Personality Inventory; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale