Exner's egocentricity index from the Rorschach, phenomenal self-esteem, and the perceived availability of narcissistic supplies

In an investigation into the possible relationships between Exner's Egocentricity Index, self-report measures of phenomenal self-esteem, and self-report measures of the perceived availability of narcissistic supplies (here assessed using a social support inventory and a loneliness scale), data from 288 college students suggested that the Egocentricity Index is not directly related to measures of self-esteem. The hypothesis that, for High Egocentricity Index subjects, the level of phenomenal self-esteem would be mediated by the perceived availability of narcissistic supplies was not supported. The self-esteem measures were, however, found to be highly correlated with the measures of the perceived availability of narcissistic supplies. The conclusion was that the Egocentricity Index may assess some form of self-focusing, as Exner originally claimed, but that it is only indirectly related to phenomenal self-esteem.