Description

The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Narcissism Scale (HIOSNS) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess traits of sexual narcissism, a personality-related construct characterized by self-centered attitudes, behaviors, and expectations within the context of sexual and intimate relationships. The scale evaluates the extent to which individuals prioritize their own sexual gratification, seek admiration and validation from partners, and demonstrate limited empathy toward their partners’ emotional and sexual needs.

Sexual narcissism is considered a specific manifestation of narcissistic personality characteristics within intimate relationships. It has been associated with impaired emotional intimacy, ineffective communication, reduced empathy, relationship dissatisfaction, and maladaptive interpersonal behaviors. Assessing sexual narcissism provides valuable insights into relationship functioning and contributes to the understanding of personality processes that influence sexual behavior and partner interactions.

The HIOSNS is widely used in clinical psychology, sexology, couple therapy, personality research, health psychology, and behavioral sciences to investigate the role of narcissistic traits in sexual functioning and intimate relationship dynamics.

Questionnaire Structure

The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Narcissism Scale consists of a series of self-report statements that assess multiple dimensions of sexual narcissism.

The questionnaire typically evaluates:

  • need for sexual admiration and validation,
  • excessive focus on personal sexual gratification,
  • reduced empathy toward a partner’s needs and emotions,
  • feelings of sexual entitlement or superiority,
  • self-centered and manipulative behaviors within intimate relationships,
  • attitudes affecting sexual communication and relationship quality.

Participants respond using a Likert-type rating scale, indicating the extent to which each statement reflects their typical attitudes or behaviors.

Data Analysis and Applications

Analysis of the HIOSNS involves calculating an overall sexual narcissism score that reflects the degree to which narcissistic traits are expressed within sexual relationships.

The HIOSNS is widely used in:

  • personality assessment,
  • clinical psychology,
  • sex therapy and couple counseling,
  • relationship research,
  • health psychology,
  • behavioral science research,
  • evaluation of interventions designed to improve relationship functioning and interpersonal communication.

Researchers frequently investigate associations between HIOSNS scores and variables such as:

  • narcissistic personality traits,
  • empathy,
  • relationship satisfaction,
  • sexual satisfaction,
  • interpersonal communication,
  • psychological well-being,
  • relationship quality and stability.

Psychometric evaluation of the instrument typically includes internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), test–retest reliability, construct validity, criterion validity, convergent validity, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to establish the reliability and validity of the scale across different populations.

Objective

The primary objective of the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Narcissism Scale is to provide a reliable and standardized assessment of sexual narcissism and its influence on intimate relationships.

More specifically, the HIOSNS aims to:

  • evaluate narcissistic attitudes and behaviors in sexual relationships,
  • investigate associations between sexual narcissism and sexual satisfaction,
  • examine relationships with empathy, communication, and relationship quality,
  • evaluate the effectiveness of psychological and therapeutic interventions,
  • support research in personality psychology, sexology, and relationship science,
  • contribute to the development of interventions promoting healthier and more balanced intimate relationships.

Scoring

The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Narcissism Scale is generally scored using a Likert-type response format, with participants indicating their level of agreement with each statement.

Individual item scores are summed to produce an overall sexual narcissism score. Depending on the version of the instrument, certain items may require reverse scoring before calculating the final score.

Higher scores indicate:

  • stronger sexual narcissistic characteristics,
  • greater self-focus during sexual interactions,
  • increased need for admiration and validation,
  • reduced consideration of a partner’s emotional and sexual needs,
  • more self-centered attitudes within intimate relationships.

Interpretation of the results should always be performed within the context of a comprehensive psychological assessment and should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic measure.

Psychometric Properties

The Hurlbert Index of Sexual Narcissism Scale demonstrates satisfactory psychometric performance across both clinical and research settings. Validation studies have reported good internal consistency, satisfactory test–retest reliability, strong construct validity, and meaningful associations with established measures of narcissism, empathy, sexual functioning, relationship satisfaction, and interpersonal behavior. These characteristics make the HIOSNS a valuable instrument for assessing the interaction between personality characteristics and sexual relationship functioning.

References

Hurlbert, D. F. (1991). Development and Validation of the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Narcissism Scale.

Widman, L., & McNulty, J. K. (2010). Sexual Narcissism and the Perpetration of Sexual Aggression. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 39(4), 926–939.

Campbell, W. K., Foster, C. A., & Finkel, E. J. (2002). Does Self-Love Lead to Love for Others? A Story of Narcissistic Game Playing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(2), 340–354.

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). American Psychiatric Publishing.