Individual Differences Research

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Individual Differences Research > Volume 12, Issue 1 (2014) > 12-30

Motivation and Borderline Personality, Psychopathy, and Narcissism

Larry Bernard

Abstract

This study addresses the validity of a relatively new theory of functional individual differences in human motivation and a scale used to assess them. The theory predicts that the strength of differences in “traits of action” (motives) should be related to “normal” and “abnormal” dimensions of personality. Evidence supports this claim with respect to “normal” personality factors, such as those in the five-factor model, but it is lacking for “abnormal” traits. Participants (N = 208) completed the Brief Assessment of Individual Motives-1 Revised and three scales that assess abnormal personality dimensions: Borderline Personality Questionnaire, Self-Report Psychopathy-III, and Narcissistic Personality Inventory-29. Hypothesized relationships were supported by linear combinations of motives that explained meaningful proportions of variance in personality measures. Different combinations of motives facilitating cooperative and competitive behavior were related to the personality dimensions and are discussed with respect to the validity of the motives.