Attachment Styles, Vulnerable Narcissism, Emotion Dysregulation and Perceived Social Support: A Mediation Model

Valeria Saladino, Francesca Cuzzocrea (), Danilo Calaresi, Janine Gullo and Valeria Verrastro
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Valeria Saladino: Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
Francesca Cuzzocrea: Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Danilo Calaresi: Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Janine Gullo: Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Valeria Verrastro: Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 5, 1-13

Abstract: Attachment styles have been shown to significantly influence individuals’ social and emotional functioning. Furthermore, vulnerable narcissism and emotion dysregulation are both relevant factors to consider in understanding individuals’ social interactions and support networks. However, the mechanisms underlying such relationships are not fully understood yet. The objective of this research was to assess whether vulnerable narcissism and emotion dysregulation sequentially mediate the connection between different attachment styles and perceived social support. Self-report questionnaires were administered to a sample of 1260 emerging adults (50% women) aged 18–25. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were conducted. Preliminary analyses indicated significant effects of gender on some study variables, thus gender was controlled in the mediation analyses. The findings indicated that there was no mediation for secure attachment, full mediation for dismissing and preoccupied attachment, and partial mediation for fearful attachment. The results suggest that addressing vulnerable narcissism and emotion dysregulation may be crucial in promoting individuals’ perceived social support, particularly for those with insecure attachment styles. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the need for personalized approaches, as interventions may need to be tailored to individuals’ unique attachment styles.

Keywords: attachment; narcissism; emotion regulation; social support; emerging adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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