Assessment of narcissistic psychopathology in the clergy

This study examines Meloy's (1986) hypothesis that pathological narcissism is prevalent among the clergy. Various psychometric instruments (three MMPI subscales, the MCMI Narcissism scale, selected EPPS scales) were administered to a sample of ministerial candidates to empirically assess the presence of pathological narcissism. Test findings did not confirm the majority of characteristics commonly associated with pathological narcissism, e.g. lack of empathy, exploitativeness, intolerance of criticism, grandiosity, etc. Female candidates, however, were identified as having greater narcissistic vulnerability owing to the persisting lack of acceptance accorded to women in this role.