Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, identity integration and self-control related to criminal behavior

Abstract

Background Although systematic research on narcissism has been conducted for over 100 years, researchers have only recently started to distinguish between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism in relation to criminal behavior. In addition, there is some evidence suggesting that identity integration and self-control may underlie this association. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a theory-driven hypothetical model that investigates the complex associations between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, identity integration, self-control, and criminal behavior using structural equation modeling (SEM). Methods The total sample (N = 222) included 65 (29.3%) individuals convicted of criminal behavior and 157 (70.7%) participants from the community, with a mean age of 37.71 years (SD = 13.25). Criminal behavior was a grouping variable used as a categorical outcome, whereas self-report questionnaires were used to assess grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, self-control, and identity integration. Results The overall SEM model yielded good fit indices. Grandiose narcissism negatively predicted criminal behavior above and beyond the influence of identity integration and self-control. In contrast, vulnerable narcissism did not have a direct significant effect on criminal behavior, but it was indirectly and positively associated with criminal behavior via identity integration and self-control. Moreover, grandiose narcissism was positively, whereas vulnerable narcissism was negatively associated with identity integration. However, identity integration did not have a direct significant effect on criminal behavior, but it was indirectly and negatively associated with criminal behavior via self-control. Finally, self-control was, in turn, negatively related to criminal behavior. Conclusions We propose that both subtypes of narcissism should be carefully considered in clinical assessment and current intervention practices.

The Self-Concept and Identity Measure in Patients with Personality Disorders: A Psychometric Evaluation and Associations With Identity Processes, Core Domains of Self-Functioning, and Personality Disorder Symptoms

“…Whereas grandiose narcissism manifests itself in exaggerated self-esteem, grandiosity, and an unrealistic sense of superiority, vulnerable narcissism manifests itself in low self-esteem, hypervigilance, and social withdrawal (Miller et al, 2011(Miller et al, , 2012Pincus, 2011). Research confirms that particularly vulnerable narcissism relates to the reported experience of identity impairment, whereas grandiose narcissism predicts the reported experience of adaptive self-functioning (Bogaerts et al, 2021c;Huxley et al, 2021). As the ADP-IV mostly captures grandiose narcissism, we may have obtained mixed results.…”

“…Remarkably, whereas PDs were generally unrelated to adaptive identity functioning, a positive association between narcissistic PD and consolidated identity was found. Previous research has generated mixed results with some studies showing positive associations between narcissistic PD and identity integration (Bogaerts et al, 2021c; Huxley et al, 2021), and others yielding opposite results (Anderson & Sellbom, 2018; Liggett et al, 2017; Sleep et al, 2019). The inconsistency may be explained by the distinction between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism.…”

The “Well-Dressed Snake Personality”: An Insight into Narcissistic/Psychopathic Personalities

“…However, not all individuals with narcissism solely display a grandiose sense of self [53]. In fact, although systematic research on narcissism has been conducted for over 100 years, researchers only recently tried to distinguish between two different narcissism varieties: i.e., the grandiose (namely 'overt') and the vulnerable (namely 'covert') narcissism [53,54]. In both forms the individual strongly believes that he/she has a special "uniqueness and superiority", displays high levels of self-love, a strong sense of entitlement, and poses a greater emphasis on self-serving bias [55].…”

“…However, there are also considerable differences between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism that emphasize the dual nature of this personality trait [56]. The grandiose narcissism discloses a high self-esteem level and a low tolerance to criticism, an unrealistic sense of superiority, as well as admiration seeking, arrogance and a tendency to depreciate others' behaviors [53][54]. Contrarily, the individual with a vulnerable narcissism presents a low self-esteem, hypervigilance, social withdrawal and emotional hypersensitivity, as well as introversion and self-devaluation [54,57].…”

“…The grandiose narcissism discloses a high self-esteem level and a low tolerance to criticism, an unrealistic sense of superiority, as well as admiration seeking, arrogance and a tendency to depreciate others' behaviors [53][54]. Contrarily, the individual with a vulnerable narcissism presents a low self-esteem, hypervigilance, social withdrawal and emotional hypersensitivity, as well as introversion and self-devaluation [54,57]. The individual with vulnerable narcissism often is led towards a frustration of narcissistic needs due to the constant need for admiration, approval and success which may induce to the development of homicidal and/or suicidal ideation, parasuicidal conduct, and suicide attempts [58].…”