Narcissistic traits in young people and how experiencing shame relates to current attachment challenges

Abstract

Background Young people with pathological narcissistic traits may have more maladaptive ways of relating to themselves and others. In this study, we investigated how the experience of shame may be a mechanism by which vulnerable and grandiose pathological narcissism relates to negative and positive internalised models of the self and others, manifested as attachment styles. Methods Participants (N = 348) were young people who reported on pathological narcissism, the experience of shame and their model of self and others (secure, dismissive, preoccupied and fearful attachment). Mediation of the experience of shame between vulnerable and grandiose narcissism on the one hand and secure, dismissive, preoccupied and fearful attachment on the other hand, was tested using a path model. Results Shame mediated the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and a more negative model of others and self (i.e. less secure, more fearful and more preoccupied in attachment). Higher grandiose narcissism traits were related to a more positive model of others and self (i.e. more secure attachment) and were unrelated to the experience of shame. Conclusions Young people with vulnerable narcissism traits tended to report more shame, and struggled to be close to others. It may be that shame experiences highlight a discrepancy between the ideal and actual self that may contribute to a more insecure attachment style. A good working alliance and fostering self-compassion may counter some negative effects of shame in those most vulnerable, but dismissal in those most grandiose presents a clinical conundrum requiring further research.

Pathological Narcissism and Emotional Responses to Rejection: The Impact of Adult Attachment

“…Conversely, vulnerable narcissism was negatively related to attachment styles denoting a positive model of self -dismissive and secure attachment. This result indicates that these attachment styles may be of particular relevance to the study of vulnerable pathological narcissism, and extends previous findings (e.g., Dickinson and Pincus, 2003;Smolewska and Dion, 2005;Fossati et al, 2015;Zhang et al, 2017b;van Schie et al, 2021). Furthermore, vulnerability was found to be associated with negative trait emotional reactivity, and results examining change in affect from baseline indicated that the experience of rejection was especially salient, negative and intense for those high in pathological narcissistic vulnerability.…”

“…Measurement of attachment styles on one hand, and pathological narcissism on the other, has varied widely between studies, creating challenges when comparing results. However, findings of recent research utilizing the PNI (Pincus et al, 2009) and Bartholomew and Horowitz's (1991) attachment model indicated that vulnerable pathological narcissism was positively related to both fearful and preoccupied attachment and negatively related to security in attachment, with this relationship mediated by feelings of shame (van Schie et al, 2021). In contrast, grandiose narcissism was positively related to secure attachment, but was unrelated to any of the three insecure attachment styles.…”

From a Symptom-Based to a Person-Centered Approach in Treating Depressive Disorders in Adolescence: A Clinical Case Formulation Using the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM-2)’s Framework

“…Albert’s affective experience is essentially characterized by feelings of grandiosity and inadequacy, accompanied by helplessness, loneliness, shame and humiliation, and hypersensitivity to criticism [ 71 ]. The pervasive anxiety regarding threats to the self negatively influences the quality of his interpersonal relationships [ 72 ]. Indeed, as highlighted by the PDC-A (MA Axis), Albert’s capacity to engage in stable, intimate, and satisfying relationships is one of the most “damaged”.…”

COVID-19 prevention behaviour is differentially motivated by primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism and vulnerable Dark Triad traits

“…Recent studies also show narcissism contributing to diminished COVID-19 prevention behaviour ( Nowak et al, 2020 ; Zajenkowski et al, 2020 ). Grandiose narcissists may think they are too important to adhere to restrictions, and anxiety and neuroticism might drive COVID-19 prevention behaviour in non-resilient and shameful vulnerable narcissists ( Sękowski et al, 2021 ) who avoid criticism ( van Schie et al, 2021 ).…”