The interpersonal expression of perfectionism among grandiose and vulnerable narcissists: Perfectionistic self-presentation, effortless perfection, and the ability to seem perfect

A sample of 305 students completed measures of narcissistic grandiosity, narcissistic vulnerability, perfectionistic self-presentation, effortless perfection, and perfectionistic self-presentation capability. Significant positive associations were found between grandiose narcissism and perfectionistic self-promotion and effortless perfection. Stronger links were found for vulnerable narcissism, with associations found will all facets of perfectionistic self-presentation, effortless perfection, and lower perceived ability to seem perfect. The present study paints a picture of grandiose narcissists as involved in promoting a perfect image of the self, pressured to be perfect with apparent ease but not necessarily lacking a sense of being able to promote such an image of perfection. In contrast, vulnerable perfectionists have a strong need to seem perfect but they feel unable to project this image.