Pathological Narcissism in Young Adults and Measuring their Levels of Adjustment and Psychological Well-Being

Abstract

The current study is a correlational design that screened male and female young adults for pathological narcissism and examined the relationship between pathological narcissism, adjustment and psychological well-being. The study analysed gender differences in Pathological narcissism, adjustment and psychological well-being. A convenience sample of 127 males and 173 female young adults (19-33 years) from India participated in the study. The snowball technique of non-probability sampling was used. Standardized measures were used to collect data. The independent sample t-test, correlational and regression analysis were considered as relevant statistical techniques. The results were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 28). The study found no statistically significant difference between males and females in pathological narcissism and psychological well-being. However, adjustment showed a significant gender difference. Pathological narcissism demonstrated a significant positive relationship with adjustment and significant negative correlation with psychological well-being. Finally, pathological narcissism significantly predicts variations in both adjustment and well-being. Results highlight the effects exerted by pathological narcissism on the adjustment and well-being of individuals which can have implications in treatment of narcissistic personality disorder and individuals with adjustment difficulties or poor wellbeing.