Covert narcissism as a predictor of internalizing symptoms after performance feedback in adolescents

The present study examined the association between covert narcissism and internalizing symptoms (i.e., shame, anxiety) in adolescents following an ego threat. Participants were 132 adolescents (101 males, 30 females, 1 not reported), ages 16–19 (M = 16.81 years, SD = .81), attending a residential program. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three feedback conditions (i.e., positive, negative, or neutral). Contrary to the main hypothesis, Time 2 internalizing symptoms tended to be highest for individuals in the positive feedback condition who had higher levels of narcissism. The implications of this study for understanding the role of narcissism in internalizing symptoms are discussed.

► In this study we examine the influence of covert narcissism on adolescent shame and anxiety after performance feedback.
► Participants were in a residential program and were assigned to positive, neutral, and negative feedback conditions.
► Covert narcissism was associated with increased shame after positive feedback, contrary to expectations.