Study Title: Exploring the Prevalence of Subclinical Narcissistic Traits in Pastors
Purpose of the Study: Every individual displays traits often associated with narcissism—such as pride, ego, and selfishness. Pastors are no exception. However, the role of a pastor can sometimes foster the use of narcissistic traits more than other professions. This does not mean you are a narcissist. In a healthy leader, these traits can be positive qualities, such as charisma, visionary leadership, or the ability to inspire others. In an unhealthy leader, they can be negative, including self-centeredness, aggression, or manipulation. This study will explore the presence of traits linked to both narcissism and humility in pastors across the United States. It will also compare these findings with data such as gender, age, education, tenure, and adverse childhood experiences. Participants must currently serve in a full-time pastoral leadership position within a church.
Procedures: If you choose to participate, you will complete an online, anonymous survey. Your anonymity is a key part of the study. You will not be asked to provide any details that could identify you. The goal is for you to answer honestly, even if the answers are not flattering. You will be asked to provide basic non-identifying demographic information and general employment history, such as the number of churches where you have worked. Then, you will complete four brief assessments measuring traits of narcissism and humility. The entire survey should take about 15 minutes.
Potential Risks and Benefits: It is unlikely that you will experience any discomfort beyond that caused by self-reflection. If your responses cause discomfort, you are encouraged to speak with a counselor, spiritual mentor, or accountability partner. Since the survey is anonymous, there is no risk of being identified or facing consequences. Your employment within the church is not at risk. It should be noted that some denominational leaders may request a summary of group data for their respective organizations, in exchange for promoting the research to their pastors. The only data shared will be group-based percentages of pastors demonstrating low, medium, and high levels of narcissistic and humility traits, and group-based percentages of categories of narcissistic traits (admiration & rivalry). No individual data will be shared. The denominational leader’s goal is to use this data to promote greater spiritual formation within their denomination if the data reveals concerning group trends. There are no specific benefits, financial or otherwise, associated with participating.
Confidentiality: To reassure participants, it’s important to note that all information collected in this study is entirely anonymous. No personally identifiable information will be gathered, and any information you provide cannot be linked back to you. The results of this study may be published at the researcher’s discretion. It may also be presented at research, leadership, or educational events. The anonymous data might be shared with other researchers via an online data repository.
Voluntary Participation: Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or withdraw from the study at any time during the survey.
Questions or Concerns: If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, contact Chris Genders, Ed.D. Candidate in Ethical Leadership, at cgenders@olivet.edu.
Consent: I have read and understand the consent form above. I certify that I am at least 18 years old. By clicking the “Next” button to enter the survey, I express my willingness to participate in this research study, which is presented as part of a doctoral dissertation through Olivet Nazar