Psychological distress among young adults with vulnerable narcissism traits

The current study hypothesizes a mediating role for shame in the association between vulnerable narcissism (VN) and depressive and social anxiety symptoms. A sample of 600 undergraduates was administered psychometrically sound self-reports to assess the study variables. Structural Equation Modelling supported the mediating effect of shame in the association between VN and depressive symptoms, irrespective of the way VN was assessed (i.e. Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, HSNS, or Pathological Narcissism Inventory, PNI). Conversely, shame did not mediate the association with social anxiety when VN was assessed through the HSNS. A direct effect of VN on both depressive and social anxiety symptoms was also detected. The results are discussed in the context of their implications, while also focusing on the different findings that emerged via the measures used to assess VN.