Impulsivity mediates the association between narcissism and substance-related problems beyond the degree of substance use: a longitudinal observational study

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Contributors

Abstract

Background: Narcissism has been implied as a putative risk factor for substance use disorders (SUDs). However, previous research did not disentangle the degree of substance use from substance-related problems, the symptoms of SUDs. This preregistered study addressed the open question whether grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and their constituent traits convey specific SUD risk, that is, explain substance-related problems beyond the degree of use. Furthermore, we tested whether impulsivity or substance use motives linked to narcissistic self-regulation mediate this association. Methods: Narcissism, impulsivity, substance use motives, past-year substance use, and substance-related problems were assessed in 139 (poly-)substance users, 121 of whom completed a one-year follow-up. For significant longitudinal associations between narcissism factors and substance-related problems controlled for the degree of use, we tested impulsivity and substance use motives as mediators. Results: Grandiose narcissism (r =.24, p =.007) and its constituent factors antagonistic (r =.27, p =.003) and agentic narcissism (r =.18, p =.050), but not vulnerable narcissism, prospectively predicted substance-related problems beyond the degree of substance use. Associations of grandiose narcissism and antagonistic narcissism with substance-related problems were fully mediated by impulsivity, but not substance use motives. Impulsivity explained roughly one third of the association of both grandiose (P̂M = 0.30) and antagonistic narcissism (P̂M = 0.26) with substance-related problems. Discussion: We demonstrate that grandiose narcissism– particularly antagonistic but also agentic narcissism– is specifically linked to substance-related problems beyond the degree of substance use. The mediating effect of impulsivity but not substance use motives suggests that impulsivity may be a more important mechanism than narcissistic self-regulation in promoting SUD in narcissism. However, future studies may use more targeted measures than substance use motives to further probe the role of self-regulation. Similar result patterns for alcohol compared to all substances together indicate that mechanisms may be alike across substances. In conclusion, narcissistic individuals may not use substances more but have a higher SUD risk, informing prevention and treatment.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number280
JournalBMC psychiatry
Volume24
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 38622531
ORCID /0000-0002-8845-8803/work/161406422

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Addiction, Impulsivity, Narcissism, Substance use disorder, Substance use motives, Impulsive Behavior, Substance-Related Disorders/complications, Motivation, Humans, Delusions