The effect of Naikan Therapy on narcissism

Abstract

  In this study, the effect of Naikan Therapy on narcissism was examined by the NPI (Narcissistic Personality Inventory). The NPI was administered to 87 subjects before and after Naikan Therapy. The results suggested that Naikan Therapy decreased subjects' narcissism as measured by the NPI. Especially the subjects with initial high-NPI showed much lower NPI ratings after Naikan Therapy. Furthermore, some NPI item scores increased and others decreased after Naikan Therapy. The increased scores appear to be the result of recognition that in the past the subjects acted narcissistically, and decreased scores reflected insightful efforts to reduce such past narcissistic behavior.