Procrastination, Perfectionism, Narcissistic Vulnerability, and Psychological Well-Being in Young Adults: An Italian Study

Massimiliano Sommantico (), Jacopo Postiglione, Elisabetta Fenizia and Santa Parrello
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Massimiliano Sommantico: Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Via Porta di Massa 1, 80133 Naples, Italy
Jacopo Postiglione: Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Via Porta di Massa 1, 80133 Naples, Italy
Elisabetta Fenizia: Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Via Porta di Massa 1, 80133 Naples, Italy
Santa Parrello: Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Via Porta di Massa 1, 80133 Naples, Italy

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: Procrastination is generally regarded as a dysfunctional tendency to postpone tasks, due to its consequences on performance and psychological well-being. Previous research has indicated that it is linked to perfectionism and narcissism, but with mixed results. The present study explored the interaction between procrastination, perceived parental expectations, multidimensional perfectionism, and narcissism in a sample of 548 Italian young adults aged 18–35 years ( M = 23.9; SD = 4.3). Participants completed an online survey consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire and psychometric measures assessing the constructs of interest. The results showed that: (a) procrastination was positively correlated with socially prescribed perfectionism only, which, in turn, was positively correlated with perceived parental expectations and criticism, and both narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability; (b) perceived parental expectations and criticism and narcissistic vulnerability had a positive effect on socially prescribed perfectionism, while procrastination had a negative one; and (c) narcissistic vulnerability mediated the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and procrastination. Taken together, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the link between procrastination, perfectionism, and narcissism in young adults, and highlight the relevance of contemporary parenting styles and the current sociocultural background for understanding dilatory behaviors.

Keywords: procrastination; perfectionism; narcissism; parental expectations and criticism; young adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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