Narcissism and authentic self: An unfeasible marriage?

Previous studies have shown that both grandiose and vulnerable narcissists tend to project an image of perfection in order to gain admiration from others. The intrapersonal costs of this tendency have never been explored. The present study hypothesized that a systematic attempt on behalf of narcissists to both actively promote an image of perfection and hide imperfections (i.e. perfectionistic self-presentation) might be responsible for low authenticity levels in terms of self-alienation, non-authentic living, and acceptance of external influence. Structural equation modeling with a sample of 274 undergraduates (50.4% F; mean age 22.26 ± 2.51) supported the hypothesized mediating effect of perfectionistic self-presentation in the association between vulnerable narcissism and low authenticity. The variables in the model accounted for 43%, 58%, and 68% of the variance in self-alienation, authentic living, and accepting external influence levels. A non-mediated effect of vulnerable narcissism on authenticity dimensions was also detected. Grandiose narcissism was not found to be associated with low levels of authenticity. Our research suggests that clinicians should address the intrapersonal costs of self-presentational concerns among vulnerable narcissists. Developing a more coherent and realistic sense of self (i.e. accepting imperfections) could go a long way towards helping vulnerable narcissists become more authentic individuals.