Introduction. Narcissistic personality is an important component of personality disorders which are prevalent in those presenting drug abuse or dependence. Assessment instruments usually consider self-esteem, narcissism and covert narcissism, but although Spanish versions of instruments for self-esteem and narcissism are available, there is no available test for covert narcissism. Objective. To test the validity of the Spanish version of the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS) in individuals presenting drug abuse or dependence. Method. In a sample of 79 outpatients, we assessed reliability by means of Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), construct validity through factor analysis, and concurrent validity by means of the correlation between the HSNS and measures of severity, disability, self-esteem, grandiose narcissism and personality disorders. Results. Reliability of the HSNS total scale score was satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha = 0,73, ICC = 0,67), though some items would require further consideration. Factor analysis showed good construct validity with three factors compatible with the theory of covert narcissism. With regard to concurrent validity, covert narcissism (HSNS) correlated positively with open narcissism, severity and disability due to drug use, and negatively with self-esteem. Highest scores on the HSNS corresponded to borderline, narcissistic and passive-aggressive personality disorders. Conclusions. The Spanish version of the HSNS could be a valid instrument for the assessment of covert narcissism in those treated for drug abuse or dependence.Key words: narcissism, covert narcissism, HSNS, personality disorders, drug abuse.
RESUMEN ABSTRACTIntroducción. La personalidad narcisista representa un componente importante de los trastornos de personalidad en los sujetos con abuso o dependencia de drogas y aunque existen validaciones de instrumentos de evaluación de narcisismo manifiesto y autoestima, no se ha validado hasta ahora ninguna prueba de valoración del narcisismo hipersensible en lengua española. Objetivo. Comprobar la validez de la versión española de la escala de narcisismo encubierto Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS) en la población indicada. Método. En una muestra de 79 pacientes se evaluó la fiabilidad mediante el alfa de Cronbach y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCIC), la validez de constructo mediante análisis factorial, y la validez concurrente mediante la correlación de la HSNS con medidas de gravedad, discapacidad, autoestima, narcisismo manifiesto o trastornos de personalidad. Resultados. La fiabilidad de la puntuación total de la escala resultó satisfactoria (alfa de Cronbach = 0,73; CCIC = 0,67), aunque algunos ítems precisarán su reconsideración. El análisis factorial mostró buena validez de constructo mediante tres factores compatibles con la teoría. Respecto a la validez concurrente, el narcisismo encubierto (HSNS) se correlacionó positivamente con el narcisismo manifiesto, la gravedad y la discapacidad debidas al consumo de dr...