Those who take part in “geeky events” are more likely to have an “elevated grandiose” level of narcissism, according to a study conducted by the University of Georgia.

Psychologists examined the personality traits of those who turn to “geek culture”, developing a Geek Culture Engagement Scale and a Geek Identity Scale to help quantify the figures.

It was found that those who scored highly on both scales were more likely to narcissists.

Subjects are scored on a scale of one to five, depending on how often they take part in activities such as live action role playing games, Dungeons and Dragons, cosplaying, puppetry, robotics - and enjoying things such as video games and Star Wars.

Writing in the Public Library of Science One journal, Jessica McCain, the scientist who led the research said: “Geek culture is a subculture of enthusiasts that is traditionally associated with obscure media like Japanese animation, science fictions and video games.

"However, geek culture is becoming increasingly mainstream. In the past year alone, New York Comic-Con, one of the premier geek conventions in the United States, attracted over 130,000 attendees.

"Our findings suggest that geek media is especially attractive to narcissists, independent of demographic variables."

Heroic efforts for at Comicon Show all 12 1 /12 Heroic efforts for at Comicon Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween9.jpg Danielle Starky, from Midhurst poses as Minerva from Final Fantasy ahead of the MCM London Comic Con Expo at ExCel Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween6.jpg Jamie Rees from Plymouth poses for a photograph in his "The Mad Hatter" costume from Alice in Wonderland Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween-16.jpg Emma O'Neil, 20, from Belfast (left) poses as Thor with Autumn McCullough, 20, from Belfast (right) as Loki from the series Thor Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween17.jpg Jane Stewart, from Liverpool poses as Wonderwoman Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween12.jpg Jess Duzniak, 18, from Essex poses as a nurse from the comic book series Silent Hill Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween11.jpg John Kennedy 19, from Dublin, 18, poses as Jareth from Labyrinth Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween10.jpg Danielle Starky, from Midhurst poses as Minerva from Final Fantasy ahead of the MCM London Comic Con Expo at ExCel on October 26, 2012 in London Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween3.jpg Kimmy Parris 21, from Dartford (left) poses as a Creeper from Minecraft with friend Chris Hayne 26, from Sheffield as a Licker from Resident Evil ahead of the MCM London Comic Con Expo at ExCel on October 26 Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween8.jpg Matt Beaumont from Ashford poses as Red Hood from Batman Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween14.jpg Mikey Kennedy, 20, from Preston poses as Kurloz from the series Homestruck ahead of the MCM London Comic Con Expo at ExCel Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween13.jpg Louis Groves, 18, Lewisham poses as Naruto Getty Images Heroic efforts for at Comicon halloween15.jpg Rebecca Ray poses in her "Corpse Bride" costume Getty Images

The research was conducted across 2,354 people attending a science fiction and fantasy convention in Georgia.