Self-esteem mediates narcissism and aggression among women, but not men: A comparison of two theoretical models of narcissism among college students

Previous research has linked narcissism, self-esteem, and aggression. Two theoretical models have been advanced to explain these relationships: the psychodynamic mask model and the threatened egotism model, each with empirical support. Past research has found gender differences in narcissism, self-esteem, and aggression; however, little extant research into relationships between these variables has explored the role of gender. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem between narcissism and aggression (physical aggression and verbal aggression) among U.S. college students and to explore whether these relationships varied between men and women. Results found support for the psychodynamic mask model, but only among women.