Narcissistic vulnerability and binge eating in adolescence: The mediating role of emotion dysregulation and dissociative experiences

Abstract

Introduction: Although evidence suggests a link between vulnerable narcissism and binge eating (BE), an important question remains whether the narcissistic vulnerability has a direct or indirect effect on BE, and which variables may be involved in such associations. The present study aims to explore a mediational trajectory between vulnerable narcissism and BE through emotion dysregulation and dissociation. Methods: Participants were 253 (Mage = 15.63, SD = 1.74; range=12–18 years; F = 172, 68%) Italian students screened by self-report measures assessing narcissism, emotion dysregulation, dissociative states, and BE. Results: Vulnerable narcissism showed an indirect effect on BE with emotion dysregulation and dissociation serving as significant mediators in such a relationship (χ2(4) = 6.623; RMSEA = 0.05; SRMR = 0.023; CFI = 0.99; TLI = 0.95), explaining 51 % of the variance in BE. Limitations: Limitations concerned the cross-sectional and self-report nature of the study. Also, the study only included adolescent school students. Discussions: Findings suggest that a psychic fragility of the Ego (vulnerable narcissism) likely has an indirect effect on BE, through emotion dysregulation and dissociative states. BE seems to represent an acting-out occurring in a specific psychic condition defined by feelings of disconnectedness and lack of control. Potential implications for theory, research, prevention and treatment are discussed.

Keywords

• Narcissism
• Emotion dysregulation
• Dissociation
• Binge eating
• Adolescence