Investigating how self-regulation processes can mediate the relationship between grandiose narcissism and mental health indicators among iranian university students

Abstract

Purpose: In the current study, we aimed to assess the mediatory role of Self-Regulation Processes in Relationship between Grandiose Narcissism and Mental Health indicators among Iranian university students.
Background: Self-regulation represents multiple processes that have a considerable role in mediating emotional or mental health problems. Grandiose narcissism, a mental disorder, is characterized by overt expressions of feelings of superiority and entitlement. Mental health indicators like depression, anxiety, or self-esteem could be affected by narcissism. In previous studies, the relationship between self-regulation processes and mental health parameters were reviewed broadly. We hypothesized that these processes could suppress grandiosity and its emotions by mediating the relationship between Grandiose Narcissism and Mental Health indicators in students.
Methods: A number of 250 female and male University students in Tehran, Iran were selected to complete Grandiose Narssism Scale (GNS), Authentic – Hubristic Pride Scale (AHPS), The Other As Shame Scale (OAS-2), Integrative Self – Knowledge Scale (ISKS), Mindful Attention Awarness Scale (MASS), Short Self Control Scale, Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and adjusted regression analysis.
Results: The results of adjusted regression analysis revealed that mindfulness can moderated the relation between grandiose narcissism and mental health (ΔR2 =.005, ΔF=7.29, P=.001). The results also showed that there is a negative significant relation between Integrative Self – Knowledge and Grandiose Narcissism (r=-.14). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between authentic pride and integrative self-knowledge (r=.23), self-control (r=.29), and mindfulness (r=.31), a significant negative correlation between hubristic pride and self-control (r=-.27), and between shame and integrative self-knowledge (r=-.32), self-control (r=-.33) and mindfulness (r=-.20).
Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that self-regulation processes can influence the relationship between Grandiose Narcissism and mental health.