Longitudinal Associations Among Pathological Narcissism, Multidimensional Perfectionism, Shame, and Aggression
Open Access
- Author:
- Dawood, Sindes
- Graduate Program:
- Psychology
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- June 01, 2020
- Committee Members:
- Aaron Lee Pincus, Dissertation Advisor/Co-Advisor
Aaron Lee Pincus, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Amy Dyanna Marshall, Committee Member
Michael Nelson Hallquist, Committee Member
David E Conroy, Outside Member
Kristin Ann Buss, Program Head/Chair - Keywords:
- pathological narcissism
perfectionism
perfectionistic self-presentation
shame
aggression
longitudinal - Abstract:
- The mechanisms that may contribute to the experience of shameful feelings and aggression in highly narcissistic individuals is not well understood. The present study used a longitudinal design to understand the dynamic nature of multidimensional perfectionism in pathological narcissism and its relationship with other constructs relevant to narcissism such as shame, socially aggressive behaviors, and physically aggressive feelings. State-like perfectionism dimensions and state-like perfectionistic self-presentation behaviors were examined as potential mediating factors in the link between pathological narcissism and outcomes of interest over a two-month study period. Additionally, narcissism was examined as a possible moderator of dynamic within-person associations among multidimensional perfectionism dimensions, shame, and aggression. A sample of undergraduate students (N = 228) completed a baseline measure of pathological narcissism, followed by weekly measures of perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation, shame, and antisocial behaviors (here, social aggression and physically aggressive feelings). Based on a multilevel structural equation modeling approach, full mediation was found for 1) average levels of weekly prevention focused perfectionistic self-presentation in the relationship between narcissism and the average likelihood of experiencing shameful feelings over time; and 2) average levels of weekly socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) in the relationship between narcissism and average levels of weekly physically aggressive feelings, and separately, the average likelihood or degree to which an individual experiences shameful feelings over time. Partial mediation was found for average levels of weekly promotion focused perfectionistic self-presentation in the relationship between narcissism and average likelihood of experiencing shameful feelings over time, as well as for average levels of weekly prevention focused perfectionistic self-presentation, and separately SPP, in the relationship between narcissism and average levels of weekly social aggression. Lastly, pathological narcissism was found to be a risk factor for the engagement of socially aggressive behaviors during weeks individuals report experiencing any of the following more than their usual: needing to promote an image of perfection, needing to conceal imperfections from others, holding the perception that others demand perfection from oneself, or having perfectionistic expectations for oneself. Findings from this study can inform models of pathological perfectionistic processes leading to increased shame and aggression in narcissistic individuals.