Exploring Narcissistic Personality Traits Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the NPI-16 Scale

Abstract

Background: Narcissistic personality traits may influence empathy, teamwork, and professionalism in medical students, yet their developmental patterns and demographic correlates remain underexplored, particularly in South Asian settings. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of narcissistic traits among undergraduate medical students, focusing on the effects of age, gender, and education level, and to clarify the developmental trajectory of narcissism within this population. Methods: In a cross-sectional observational study, 384 MBBS students aged 19–25 from Chandka Medical College, Pakistan, were recruited using convenience sampling. Eligible participants were current students who consented to participate; those outside the age range or not actively enrolled were excluded. Data were collected via an anonymized online survey comprising demographic questions and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16 (NPI-16). Outcomes included categorized NPI-16 scores and their association with age and gender. Ethical approval was granted by the institutional review board in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS version 27 using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square tests, and linear regression, with significance set at p < 0.001. Results: The mean NPI-16 score was 4.98 (SD = 3.07), with higher scores observed in younger students (r = −0.35, p < 0.001), and no significant association with gender (p = 0.432). Age explained 12% of the variance in narcissism scores. Conclusion: Narcissistic traits decline with age among medical students, reflecting a developmental rather than a persistent personality feature. Early interventions targeting empathy and teamwork may foster more adaptive professional growth, ultimately enhancing patient care.