The Development of Narcissism Among Lawyers and Farmers: A Quantitative Study

The Development of Narcissism Among Lawyers and Farmers: A Quantitative Study by Stephen G. Murdock MA, Walden University, 2013 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2017 Abstract Narcissism has been identified as a threat to society and the individual. Individuals with high levels of narcissism (narcissistic personality disorder) struggle to maintain jobs, stable relationships, and healthy life perspectives. Without knowledge about the origins of narcissism, mental health professionals may only be treating the symptoms of narcissism and not the factors that perpetuate its development. The purpose of this study was to measure narcissism in farming and law careers and to determine whether career is a factor in the development of narcissism. It was predicted that career would be an important developmental event and process that would have the ability to influence character traits (such as narcissism) through self-presentation, a process in symbolic interaction theory. To date, there has been no research on type of career as a factor in the development of narcissism. A cross-sectional design and 2-way independent analysis of covariance was used to compare narcissism in farming (N = 46) and law careers (N = 267) at the beginning and middle of individuals’ careers, as well as after 10 years of experience. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in narcissism between farmers and lawyers. Further, there was no significant difference in narcissism levels atNarcissism has been identified as a threat to society and the individual. Individuals with high levels of narcissism (narcissistic personality disorder) struggle to maintain jobs, stable relationships, and healthy life perspectives. Without knowledge about the origins of narcissism, mental health professionals may only be treating the symptoms of narcissism and not the factors that perpetuate its development. The purpose of this study was to measure narcissism in farming and law careers and to determine whether career is a factor in the development of narcissism. It was predicted that career would be an important developmental event and process that would have the ability to influence character traits (such as narcissism) through self-presentation, a process in symbolic interaction theory. To date, there has been no research on type of career as a factor in the development of narcissism. A cross-sectional design and 2-way independent analysis of covariance was used to compare narcissism in farming (N = 46) and law careers (N = 267) at the beginning and middle of individuals’ careers, as well as after 10 years of experience. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in narcissism between farmers and lawyers. Further, there was no significant difference in narcissism levels at the different stages of a law or farming career. Thus, career may not be a factor in the development of narcissism, and future research, theory development, treatment design, and cultural considerations may be best served by focusing on other phenomena to explain narcissism’s effect in adulthood. The Development of Narcissism Among Lawyers and Farmers: A Quantitative Study by Stephen Glen Murdock MA, Walden University 2013 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2016 Acknowledgments I do not want to be ungrateful. I owe many in the pursuit and completion of this dissertation. I am grateful for and acknowledge that this work would not have happened without the assistance of Dr. Susan Rarick. Her support and direction provided motivation, encouragement, and stabilization when I needed it. I would also like to thank Dr. Matthew Fearrington for his input and support. His suggestions always seemed to be exactly on point and not overstated. Dr. Elisha Galaif challenged my conceptual idea for the study, and as a result the dissertation is better and more complete. I also want to express thanks for all of the support I received from Walden University and the College of Social and Behavioral Science. I am grateful for many of my fellow classmates who became my friends and offered valuable suggestions and support. I would also like to thank my family. My parents, Dennis and Janet, were always eager to provide assistance and support in whatever capacity was needed. Last, my children, Courtney, Brock, and Connor, were always concerned and interested in my efforts and reminded me of my values, goals, and priorities.