Patterns of Narcissistic traits and its Association with Career Motivations among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan
Narcissism among medical students
Abstract
Background: Narcissism is a personality trait which influences behavior and motivations toward choosing a specific career in medical students. The objective of this study is to determine the distribution of narcissistic traits among medical students and its correlation with choices towards career motivations.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to October 2025 which involved medical undergraduates of four medical colleges of Pakistan. Using stratified sampling, a sample size of 370 students was selected. A valid questionnaire comprising three sections of questions: demographic, NPI-16, and items assessing motivations for career choices and was used for data collection. SPSS version-27 was employed to analyze the data.
Results: Of the total participants, 49.2% were male and 50.8% female, and mean age was 21.5 years. On analysis, 72.7% of the population were found to have normal level of narcissistic score, 24.6% were on borderline levels, and 2.7% have significantly high levels of narcissism score. Males were more narcissistic than females. Narcissism was strongly associated with factors like desire for well reputed social status, highly demanding career, independence, and enjoyment of professional activity. Altruism and science related motivations showed no significant association with narcissism.
Conclusion: Medical students showed borderline-to-high degree of narcissism, and were linked with status inspired career motivations rather than altruistic or scientific interests. These findings highlight the importance of addressing personality-driven motivations in medical education and career counseling.
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