Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults
Abstract Background Emerging adulthood is a developmental phase marked by increased vulnerability to risky behaviors, including alcohol misuse. Pathological narcissism, particularly grandiose and vulnerable traits, has been identified as a key factor influencing alcohol misuse. The role of mentalize...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Discover Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-024-00301-8 |
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| _version_ | 1846112268610174976 |
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| author | Andrea Fontana Stefano Toselli Ilaria Maria Antonietta Benzi Laura Antonia Lucia Parolin Marco Cacioppo Nicola Carone |
| author_facet | Andrea Fontana Stefano Toselli Ilaria Maria Antonietta Benzi Laura Antonia Lucia Parolin Marco Cacioppo Nicola Carone |
| author_sort | Andrea Fontana |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Emerging adulthood is a developmental phase marked by increased vulnerability to risky behaviors, including alcohol misuse. Pathological narcissism, particularly grandiose and vulnerable traits, has been identified as a key factor influencing alcohol misuse. The role of mentalized affectivity (namely, the ability to identify, express, and process emotions) may enhance these associations, along with potential gender differences in these dynamics. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,075 emerging adults (M = 24.26, SD = 2.43; 71.2% assigned female at birth), using self-reports to measure pathological narcissism, mentalization difficulties, and alcohol misuse. Hierarchical regression models were used to examine the relationships between narcissistic traits, mentalized affectivity, and alcohol misuse. Results Grandiose narcissism was associated with alcohol misuse in the total sample. Narcissistic vulnerability was a stronger predictor of alcohol misuse in female individuals, while difficulties in mentalization (identifying and expressing emotions) were significant predictors of alcohol misuse in males. Grandiose narcissism did not directly predict alcohol misuse in either gender, after controlling for Narcissistic vulnerability. Conclusions Vulnerable narcissism plays a significant role in alcohol misuse, especially in female individuals, with mentalization difficulties exacerbating these behaviors, particularly in male individuals. Gender differences highlight the need for gender-specific interventions in emerging adults. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7b67e5279c554bc895b20dd076eaed95 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2731-4537 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-7b67e5279c554bc895b20dd076eaed952024-12-22T12:40:40ZengSpringerDiscover Psychology2731-45372024-12-014111310.1007/s44202-024-00301-8Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adultsAndrea Fontana0Stefano Toselli1Ilaria Maria Antonietta Benzi2Laura Antonia Lucia Parolin3Marco Cacioppo4Nicola Carone5Department of Human Science, LUMSA UniversityDepartment of Human Science, LUMSA UniversityDepartment of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of PaviaDepartment of Psychology, University of Milano-BicoccaDepartment of Human Science, LUMSA UniversityDepartment of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor VergataAbstract Background Emerging adulthood is a developmental phase marked by increased vulnerability to risky behaviors, including alcohol misuse. Pathological narcissism, particularly grandiose and vulnerable traits, has been identified as a key factor influencing alcohol misuse. The role of mentalized affectivity (namely, the ability to identify, express, and process emotions) may enhance these associations, along with potential gender differences in these dynamics. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,075 emerging adults (M = 24.26, SD = 2.43; 71.2% assigned female at birth), using self-reports to measure pathological narcissism, mentalization difficulties, and alcohol misuse. Hierarchical regression models were used to examine the relationships between narcissistic traits, mentalized affectivity, and alcohol misuse. Results Grandiose narcissism was associated with alcohol misuse in the total sample. Narcissistic vulnerability was a stronger predictor of alcohol misuse in female individuals, while difficulties in mentalization (identifying and expressing emotions) were significant predictors of alcohol misuse in males. Grandiose narcissism did not directly predict alcohol misuse in either gender, after controlling for Narcissistic vulnerability. Conclusions Vulnerable narcissism plays a significant role in alcohol misuse, especially in female individuals, with mentalization difficulties exacerbating these behaviors, particularly in male individuals. Gender differences highlight the need for gender-specific interventions in emerging adults.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-024-00301-8Pathological narcissismAlcohol misuseMentalizationAlcohol consumptionVulnerable narcissismGrandiose narcissism |
| spellingShingle | Andrea Fontana Stefano Toselli Ilaria Maria Antonietta Benzi Laura Antonia Lucia Parolin Marco Cacioppo Nicola Carone Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults Discover Psychology Pathological narcissism Alcohol misuse Mentalization Alcohol consumption Vulnerable narcissism Grandiose narcissism |
| title | Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults |
| title_full | Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults |
| title_fullStr | Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults |
| title_full_unstemmed | Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults |
| title_short | Pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults |
| title_sort | pathological narcissism mentalization and gender differences in alcohol misuse among emerging adults |
| topic | Pathological narcissism Alcohol misuse Mentalization Alcohol consumption Vulnerable narcissism Grandiose narcissism |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44202-024-00301-8 |
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