Theory of Personality (D564) Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder?

1. Lack of empathy

2. Excessive humility

3. Social withdrawal

4. High neuroticism

The correct answer is: Lack of empathy

A characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder is a lack of empathy. Individuals diagnosed with this condition often struggle to understand or share the feelings of others, which can manifest in various ways, such as dismissiveness toward others' emotions or an inability to see things from another person's perspective. This lack of empathy can lead to difficulties in relationships, as they may come across as self-centered or unconcerned about the experiences of those around them. It's a key feature that differentiates narcissistic personality disorder from other personality disorders, highlighting how these individuals prioritize their own needs and views over those of others. The other choices do not align with the core traits of narcissistic personality disorder. Excessive humility contradicts the overly grand sense of self-importance associated with narcissism. Social withdrawal may occur in various psychological conditions, but it is not a defining characteristic of narcissistic personality disorder. High neuroticism may be relevant in different contexts, but it doesn't specifically denote the lack of empathy that is hallmark for narcissism.