Abstract

In this study, narcissistic individuals were divided into two subtypes overt and covert. The levels of hostility, anger experience, and anger expression in each subtype were examined. For this purpose, the Narcissistic Personality Disorder Scale, Covert Narcissism Scale, Korean Version of the Aggression Questionnaire, and Korean Version of the State­Trait Anger Expression Inventory were administered to 298 undergraduates. The participants were divided into three groups (covert narcissists, overt narcissists and students with low levels of narcissism) based on their scores on the NPDS and CNS 145. Differences in hostility, anger experience and anger expression were compared using ANOVA. The covert narcissists experienced more hostility than the overt narcissists, and students with low levels of narcissism. The covert and overt narcissists experienced more anger than the students with low levels of narcissism. Furthermore, there were significant differences in anger-control between the overt narcissists and students with low levels of narcissism. The overt narcissists experienced more anger-out, and covert narcissists experienced more anger-in. The results indicated that covert narcissists, who have a tendency to suppress their anger, are more maladaptive than overt narcissists in many respects. Moreover, this study proposes that different anger management techniques should be used for individuals with covert and overt narcissism.