Citation

Kealy D, Ogrodniczuk JS, Rice SM, Oliffe JL. Psychiatry Res. 2017; 256: 156-161.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2017.06.009

PMID

28641202

Abstract

Clinical observation has linked externalizing coping strategies such as substance overuse and aggressive behaviours with narcissistic personality dysfunction. This study examined the relationship between pathological narcissism and maladaptive self-regulatory behaviours among Canadian men. An online survey was distributed among a stratified, nationally representative sample of 1000 men from across Canada. The survey included brief self-report measures of pathological narcissism, maladaptive externalizing coping behaviours, and general psychological distress. After controlling for the effects of age and general psychological distress, pathological narcissism was found to be significantly associated with alcohol overuse and aggressive behaviour. Significant though modest interaction effects were found between pathological narcissism and age - with regards to drug use - and distress - with regards to risk-taking behaviour. The findings point to the need for attention to narcissistic dysfunction as a clinical and public health issue among men.

Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Aggression; Maladaptive behaviours; Men's health; Pathological narcissism; Risk-taking behaviour; Substance use