Loneliness and narcissism

Abstract

The relationships between loneliness and facets of narcissism were investigated based on responses from 696 (46% women) university students. Bivariate correlations revealed small negative correlations between loneliness and the narcissism scales of arrogance and acclaim seeking. A medium positive correlation was between loneliness and reactive anger and medium negative correlations were with exhibitionism and authoritativeness. Large positive correlations were between loneliness and shame, need for admiration, and distrust and a large negative correlation was with indifference. To further examine how loneliness and narcissism are possibly related, the narcissism facets were examined using latent profile analysis, resulting in three profiles. The profile with high scores for the narcissism facets of shame, need for admiration, authoritativeness, grandiose fantasy, acclaim-seeking, and distrust had significantly higher loneliness scores compared to the two other narcissism profiles. These results add to our understanding of both loneliness and narcissism. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Keywords

• Loneliness
• Narcissism
• Five Factor Model
• Latent profile analysis
• Five Factor Narcissism Inventory