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Weapon or Armor? Unpacking the Paradox of Narcissism and Self‐Reported Mental Health Through a Three‐Level Meta‐Analysis

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Journal of Personality

Published online on

Abstract

["Journal of Personality, EarlyView. ", "\nABSTRACT\n\nObjective\nThis meta‐analysis examined the relationships between different dimensions of narcissism and mental health, with a specific focus on internalizing forms of psychopathology.\n\n\nMethod\nA systematic search identified 229 empirical studies (N = 185,137; k = 735 effect sizes) from four international databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, OATD) and two Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data). Because most studies relied on self‐report measures, the findings primarily reflect self‐reported associations. Random‐effects models were used to estimate overall effects, and moderation analyses tested the roles of demographic, methodological, and construct‐related variables.\n\n\nResults\nGrandiose narcissism was positively associated with positive mental health (r = 0.19, p < 0.001) and showed no significant association with negative mental health (r = 0.02, p = 0.26). Vulnerable narcissism was negatively associated with positive mental health (r = −0.25, p < 0.001) and positively associated with negative mental health (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Findings based on the Admiration–Rivalry model and the three‐factor model provided additional clarity regarding these associations. Significant moderators included age, measurement instruments, and construct specificity.\n\n\nConclusions\nThese results clarify dimension‐specific links between narcissism and mental health and provide a more nuanced understanding of narcissism's psychological correlates.\n\n\nTrial Registration\nPROSPERO: Registration No. CRD420251016464\n\n"]