Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism in Adolescents: Associations With Perceived Parenting Styles, Psychological And Social Adjustment

Objective:

In recent studies, two separate forms of narcissism (grandiose and vulnerable) have been identifi ed along with a differential defi nition from one another. . One of the objectives of this study was to determine the role of parenting styles in the process of developing grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. The other aim was to investigate the relationships between these two forms of narcissism and social/psychological adjustment.

Method:

In total, 525 adolescents (264 girls, 261 mboys)aged between 12 and 16 years were included . “Demographic Information Form”, “Parenting Styles Scale”, “Narcissistic Personality Questionnaire for Children-Revised Form”, “Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale”, “Peer Relationship Scale” and “Peer Nomination Inventory” were used to collect data.

Results:

Parental acceptance/involvement signifi cantly predicted grandiose narcissism. While parental strict control positively correlated with and predicted vulnerable narcissism, an inverse correlation and negative predictive relationship existed between paternal acceptance/involvement and vulnerable narcissism. , Analyses have also indicated differences between parenting styles with regard to grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Prosocial behaviors and positive peer relationships were positively predicted by grandiose narcissism, whereas internalizing problems,negatively. Internalizing problems have also been found to be positively predicted by vulnerable narcissism.

Discussion:

Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism were predicted by different parenting styles. Moreover, these two forms of narcissism were associated with diverse psychological and social variables. The hypothesis that suggested differences might be observed between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism was partially supported by the results of our study.