Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire

The Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire (NARQ) was introduced by Back and colleagues in 2013, drawing on a two-component model of narcissism: admiration and rivalry. The original questionnaire contains 18 items; this site presents a 12-item version, with 6 items for each component. NARQ research in Chinese adult and adolescent samples has reported good reliability and validity. This assessment is suitable for ages 14 and over. It is used in personality research, clinical assessment, and relationship counseling to explore the different expressions of narcissism.

Narcissistic admiration is the 'bright side': seeking recognition and praise through positive self-presentation, such as confidence, charm, or talent, to maintain self-worth. People with this pattern are often outgoing, appealing, and socially skilled, but rely strongly on others' opinions for their self-worth. Narcissistic rivalry is the 'dark side': responding to threats to the self by devaluing others or protecting oneself through envy, aggression, and competition, often leading to conflict. It can make others' superiority difficult to accept and provoke hostility. Both components can coexist, although one usually stands out. Distinguishing them helps clarify narcissism's nature and effects.

This site's 12-item version uses six response points (1–6). Admiration and rivalry each contain 6 items, with scores of 6–36, giving a total of 12–72. These ranges describe the version used here; the original NARQ contains 18 items. The site's interpretation bands vary by age. For adults aged 18 and over, totals ≤35 are low, 36–53 moderate, and ≥54 high. For adolescents aged 14–17, totals ≤33 are low, 34–50 moderate, and ≥51 high. Pay attention to which component is more prominent, since admiration and rivalry have different implications for relationships and mental health.

Narcissism itself is a continuous personality trait, not automatically a disorder, and everyone has some degree of it. Moderate narcissism, particularly admiration, can support confidence, self-esteem, and achievement motivation. Healthy narcissism involves relatively stable self-worth without excessive dependence on approval, acceptance of others' success without excessive envy, reasonably harmonious relationships, and sincere concern for others. Pathological narcissism, or narcissistic personality disorder, involves extreme dependence on admiration, inability to accept criticism or failure, limited empathy, conflict-filled relationships, and especially strong rivalry. Only traits that seriously impair life and relationships may amount to a personality disorder, which requires professional diagnosis.

Strategies should match the component involved. For admiration: ① Build self-worth from within and rely less on approval. ② Practice sincere interactions without excessive self-promotion. ③ Attend to others' feelings and develop empathy. ④ Recognize everyone's distinctive worth rather than constantly seeking superiority. For rivalry: ① Accept others' success and reduce envy and comparison. ② Develop cooperation rather than competition. ③ Focus on your own growth. ④ Learn healthy ways to maintain self-worth. ⑤ Change relationship patterns to reduce conflict. Psychotherapy, including CBT and psychodynamic therapy, can be particularly effective for pathological narcissism.

If NARQ indicates high narcissism—≥54 for adults or ≥51 for adolescents—especially with rivalry ≥26, professional counseling is recommended. Particular concerns include traits that seriously affect relationships or cause frequent conflict; strong reactions to criticism or failure; excessive envy, hostility, or aggression; highly unstable self-worth dependent on others' views; difficulty empathizing; or concern about narcissistic personality disorder. A counselor can help explore the roots and develop healthier self-understanding and interactions. This is a self-report tool, not a basis for diagnosis. Personality disorders require diagnosis by a qualified psychiatrist or psychotherapist.