The HSNS is a 10-item self-report measure assessing vulnerable/covert narcissism characterized by hypersensitivity to criticism, defensiveness, and self-consciousness—distinct from grandiose narcissism measured by traditional scales like the NPI.
The scale demonstrates adequate psychometric properties (α=0.72-0.77) and takes 10-15 minutes to complete, with scores ranging from 10-50 and college student norms around M=26.2 (SD=6.8).
Higher HSNS scores correlate with depression, anxiety, interpersonal distress, and neuroticism, making it valuable for personality research, differential diagnosis, and understanding vulnerable narcissistic presentations in clinical settings.
Introduction
The Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS) is a 10-item self-report measure designed to assess covert or vulnerable narcissism, characterized by hypersensitivity to evaluation, self-consciousness, and defensive self-aggrandizement. Developed by Hendin and Cheek (1997), the HSNS captures a form of narcissism distinct from the grandiose, exhibitionistic narcissism measured by traditional scales like the Narcissistic Personality Inventory.
Covert Versus Grandiose Narcissism
Research distinguishes between two primary expressions of narcissistic personality: grandiose narcissism (overt, exhibitionistic, characterized by arrogance and entitlement) and vulnerable narcissism (covert, characterized by hypersensitivity, neuroticism, and defensiveness). While grandiose narcissists openly display their perceived superiority, vulnerable narcissists harbor similarly inflated self-views but express them through hypersensitivity to criticism, intense reactions to perceived slights, and defensive self-protection (Pincus et al., 2009).
Theoretical Foundation
The HSNS draws on clinical and theoretical work suggesting that some narcissistic individuals present with overtly fragile self-esteem, social withdrawal when not receiving admiration, and extreme sensitivity to evaluation by others. These individuals may alternate between fantasies of greatness and feelings of unworthiness, creating a pattern of defensive self-enhancement coupled with vulnerability to ego threats (Wink, 1991).
Clinical and Research Significance
Vulnerable narcissism has been associated with distinct patterns of interpersonal difficulties, emotional distress, and clinical presentations compared to grandiose narcissism. Individuals high in hypersensitive narcissism report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and interpersonal problems while maintaining the narcissistic core of entitlement and need for admiration (Miller et al., 2011).
🎭 Two Faces: Vulnerable narcissism represents a defensive, hypersensitive expression of narcissistic traits distinct from the grandiose, exhibitionistic patterns typically associated with narcissism.
Key Features
Assessment Characteristics
10 items providing focused assessment of vulnerable narcissistic features
High (35-50): Elevated hypersensitive narcissistic traits
Moderate (25-34): Average levels of vulnerable narcissism
Low (10-24): Below average hypersensitive narcissism
Population Norms:
College students: M = 26.2, SD = 6.8 (Hendin & Cheek, 1997)
Community adults: M = 24.5, SD = 7.1 (Miller et al., 2011)
Clinical Interpretation
Higher scores are associated with greater vulnerability to depression and anxiety, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and a defensive interpersonal style. Individuals with elevated HSNS scores may present with complaints of feeling misunderstood or unappreciated despite their special qualities (Miller et al., 2011).
Adequate reliability for research applications despite brevity
Validity Evidence
Factor structure:
Unidimensional structure confirmed across samples (Hendin & Cheek, 1997)
Distinct from grandiose narcissism measures (Miller et al., 2011)
Convergent validity:
Neuroticism: r = 0.41-0.54 (Miller et al., 2011)
Depression: r = 0.30-0.45 (Pincus et al., 2009)
Anxiety: r = 0.35-0.48 (Pincus et al., 2009)
Interpersonal distress: r = 0.38-0.52 (Miller et al., 2011)
Discriminant validity:
NPI (grandiose narcissism): r = 0.20-0.35 (Hendin & Cheek, 1997)
Self-esteem: r = -0.25 to -0.40 (Miller et al., 2011)
Clinical Correlates
Mental health associations:
Higher HSNS scores predict depressive symptoms (Pincus et al., 2009)
Association with social anxiety and avoidant patterns (Miller et al., 2011)
Linked to Cluster C personality disorder features (Pincus et al., 2009)
Interpersonal patterns:
Difficulty maintaining stable relationships (Miller et al., 2011)
Hypersensitivity to interpersonal rejection (Miller et al., 2011)
Passive-aggressive and sullen interpersonal behaviors (Pincus et al., 2009)
Usage Guidelines and Applications
Primary Clinical Applications
Personality assessment in clinical settings
Differential diagnosis of narcissistic presentations
Treatment planning for personality-related difficulties
Research on narcissistic subtypes and outcomes
Understanding interpersonal patterns in therapy
Clinical Considerations
Higher HSNS scores may indicate need for therapeutic approaches that address both narcissistic defenses and underlying vulnerability. Clients may present with depressive or anxious complaints while defensive patterns around self-esteem emerge in treatment (Pincus et al., 2009).
Research Applications
Studies of narcissistic personality subtypes
Investigation of depression and anxiety comorbidity
Interpersonal relationship research
Treatment outcome studies for personality pathology
Cross-cultural narcissism research
Limitations and Considerations
Lower internal consistency compared to longer personality measures
Self-report may be influenced by current mood state
May not capture all aspects of vulnerable narcissism
Cultural factors may influence item interpretation
Copyright and Usage Responsibility: Check that you have the proper rights and permissions to use this assessment tool in your research. This may include purchasing appropriate licenses, obtaining permissions from authors/copyright holders, or ensuring your usage falls within fair use guidelines.
Proper Attribution: When using or referencing this scale, cite the original development:
Hendin, H. M., & Cheek, J. M. (1997). Assessing hypersensitive narcissism: A reexamination of Murray’s Narcism Scale. Journal of Research in Personality, 31(4), 588-599.
Primary Development: Hendin, H. M., & Cheek, J. M. (1997). Assessing hypersensitive narcissism: A reexamination of Murray’s Narcism Scale. Journal of Research in Personality, 31(4), 588-599.
Validation and Application:
Miller, J. D., et al. (2011). Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism: A nomological network analysis. Journal of Personality, 79(5), 1013-1042.
Pincus, A. L., et al. (2009). Two faces of narcissism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97(6), 1013-1028.
Wink, P. (1991). Two faces of narcissism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(4), 590-597.
A puffed-up, defensive pufferfish — embodying fragile ego, hypersensitivity to criticism, and vulnerable narcissism measured by the HSNS (Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the HSNS measure?
The HSNS measures covert or vulnerable narcissism, characterized by hypersensitivity to criticism, defensiveness, self-consciousness, and feelings of being misunderstood. Unlike grandiose narcissism scales, it captures fragile, hidden entitlement rather than overt arrogance, assessing traits like defensive self-enhancement and vulnerability to ego threats.
How long does the HSNS take to complete?
The HSNS takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. With only 10 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale, it provides a brief yet focused assessment of vulnerable narcissistic features suitable for research and clinical screening applications.
Is the HSNS free to use?
The HSNS items are available in published research literature, but users should verify current copyright and usage permissions. Researchers should ensure they have proper rights for their specific application, which may include obtaining permissions from the original authors or confirming fair use for research or educational purposes.
How is the HSNS scored?
The HSNS is scored by summing all 10 item responses without reverse scoring, producing a total score from 10-50. Higher scores indicate greater hypersensitive narcissism. Interpretation ranges: Low (10-24), Moderate (25-34), High (35-50). College student norms average M=26.2 (SD=6.8).
What's the difference between HSNS and NPI?
The HSNS measures vulnerable/covert narcissism (hypersensitive, neurotic, defensive), while the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) measures grandiose/overt narcissism (exhibitionistic, confident, dominant). They correlate weakly (r=0.20-0.35), representing distinct narcissistic expressions. HSNS associates with depression/anxiety; NPI with extraversion/assertiveness.
How reliable is the HSNS?
The HSNS demonstrates adequate reliability for a brief scale: internal consistency α=0.72-0.77 and test-retest reliability r=0.63 (8-week interval). It shows strong convergent validity with neuroticism, depression, and anxiety, discriminant validity from grandiose narcissism, and confirmed unidimensional structure across samples.
