Internal Narcissism vs. External Narcissism (Materialism)
Historic antecedent
Asceticism
Historic example
J.D. Salinger
Film/TV example
Ryan Atwood (The OC)
Counter example
Alexander the Great
Characteristicsappearance is not a priority, care less about wealth/fame/status than peers, does not like to appear better than others, finds prestige chasing silly, prefers a simple/minimalistic lifestyle over a high-end/luxury one, would rather be oneself than fit-in, finds external indicators of success shallow, does not think their own happiness/success is more important than others, has no need for power over others, does not care about being at the top of any ladders, not competitive, desires less social interaction when depressed, would not enjoy being a celebrity, would be uncomfortable living in a very expensive house/apartment, don't care a lot about dressing nicely, does not think image is important, could be happy poor, prefers to work behind the scenes without credit, would rather please self than others, thinks internal beauty is more important than external beauty, values freedom over money, tends to dislike people who chase wealth and status, values cooperation over competition, does not measure success by public opinion, does not love to be complemented
Factor-Loading Items
The following items all had statistically significant factor loadings (similar to correlations) on the Ascetic drive:
I don't follow the latest trends or fashions. 410/230
I'm happy when I'm not in the spotlight. 400/200
I prefer to avoid the spotlight. 408/371
I don't understand the value of prestige. 387/213
I have a need to be be unattractive to everyone. 310/272
I dislike fanciness. 288/157
I'm a hermit. 275/504
I thrive away from mainstream society. 286/326
If were a film director nominated for an Academy Award, I'm not sure I would want to go to the event. 271/443
I would not want to live in a very expensive city. 313/196
My style is undecorated. 259/211
I thrive away from mainstream society. 230/394
I don't like going out socially more than once a week. 220/390
Unadorned would be a good description of me. 211/285
I'm a hermit. 203/564
I am compelled to be unattractive. 201/373
I don't consider myself attractive. 174/530
I don't like being on vacation. 166/361
I avoid contacts with others. 158/591
*for a low score assume the opposite of the above. the descriptions listed here are made up of personality items. people who scored high on this type scored higher on the above items compared to the average.