본 연구는 외현적 자기애와 내현적 자기애의 성격적인 특성과 적응행동을 알아보고자 외현적 자기애 성향집단과 내현적 자기애 성향집단의 MMPI-2 프로파일 유형과 자아방어기제의 특징을 알아보았다. 연구결과, 외현적 자기애 성향집단에서는 MMPI-2 타당도 척도에서 K척도가 상승하는 정적 기울기 형태를 나타내고 임상척도에서는 Ma 척도가 경미하게 상승하는 형태를 보였으며, 내현적 자기애 성향집단, 비자기애집단과의 차이는 통계적으로 유의하였다. 그리고 내현적 자기애 성향집단에서는 MMPI-2 타당도 척도에서 L, K 척도에 비해 F척도가 상승하는 ``∧`` 자 형태를 나타내고 임상척도에서는 D, Pt, Si 척도가 경미하게 상승하는 형태를 보였으며, 외현적 자기애 성향집단, 비자기애 집단과의 차이는 통계적으로 유의하였다. 또한 자아방어기제에서는 외현적 자기애 성향집단은 전능, 유머, 부정, 승화 등의 방어기제를 사용하는 경향이 높았고, 내현적 자기애 성향집단은 억제, 투사, 공상, 체념 등의 방어기제를 주로 사용하는 것으로 나타났다. 마지막으로 본 연구의 제한점과 후속연구를 위한 제언이 논의되었다.

This study explored characteristic properties of overt narcissism and covert narcissism through investigating MMPI-2 profile types and characteristics of self-defense mechanism of the overt narcissism tendency group and the covert narcissism tendency group. The results show that in the overt narcissism tendency group, K scale was increased by showing positive slope pattern in MMPI-2 validity scale, Ma scale was increased in clinical scale, and difference between covert narcissism tendency group and non-narcissism group was statistically significant. Moreover, in self-defense mechanism, overt narcissism tendency group was inclined to use defense mechanisms such as omnipotence, humor, denial, sublimitation, and covert narcissism tendency group was inclined to use defense mechanisms like suppression, projection, fantasy, resignation etc. These results improved that narcissism tendency was represented as narcissistic, active, constructive, and vigorous personality in overt narcissism, but sensitiveness, nervousness, chronical depression, and negative emotion were shown in covert narcissism although their motivation for accomplishment was strong and high standard and strictness to themselves were shown. In addition to that, totally different representation aspects of these narcissism was confirmed by MMPI-2 profiles. Also, compared to overt narcissistic personality, covert narcissistic personality shows using immature and unadaptive defense mechanism. Finally, the limitations of this study as well as ideas and suggestions for future research are discussed.