The role of parental overcontrol in psychological distress of vulnerable narcissists: The burden of shame

Abstract

Psychological distress can have a wide range of negative consequences, and the central role played by parental overcontrol in its occurrence has been widely demonstrated. It is also well-established that narcissistic vulnerability results from parental overcontrol and is characterized by intense shame experiences, which, in turn, favors psychological distress. However, no studies have examined these variables simultaneously, integrating them in a theoretical-based model. Therefore, this study aims to build on previous evidence by exploring whether parental overcontrol can lead to the onset of depression, anxiety and stress through the serial mediating role of narcissistic vulnerability and shame proneness. A convenience sample of 643 participants (68%F; M_age = 29.87 ± 13.00) was recruited. The assessed structural model produced adequate fit to the data. Results showed the significant role played by maternal – but not paternal – overcontrol in the onset of vulnerable narcissistic traits and that shame proneness, particularly bodily shame, fosters the three facets of psychological distress in such individuals. Clinicians dealing with individuals with high vulnerable traits could help them reduce their distress by working on the level of narratives relating to experiences of maternal overcontrol perceived during childhood and feelings of shame expressed, especially when connected to one's own body.