The Effects of Pathological Narcissism on Social Anxiety: Mediation Effects of Difference of Self-Presentational Motivation and Self-Presentational Expectation and Anger Rumination

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of pathological narcissism on social anxiety, and the dual mediating effects of difference of self-presentation motivation and self-presentation expectancies and anger rumination. Methods: A total of 307 college students participated in this study by completing the questionnaires and to solve the research questions, AMOS and bootstrapping analysis was employed. Results: First, pathological narcissism had a significant interrelation to self-presentation motivation, self-presentation expectancies, anger rumination, and social anxiety. Second, it was confirmed that pathological narcissism affected social anxiety by mediating both difference of self-presentation motivation and self-presentation expectancies and anger rumination. Third, the dual mediating effects of difference of self-presentation motivation and self-presentation expectancies and anger rumination on the relationship between pathological narcissism and social anxiety was found. Conclusions: Implication for empirical research and clinical practice regarding treatment of clients with pathological narcissism and social anxiety are discussed. Limitation of current research and suggestions for future study are discussed.