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Previous studies have shown that both grandiose and vulnerable narcissists tend to project an image of perfection in order to gain admiration from others. The intrapersonal costs of this tendency have never been explored. The present study hypothesized that a systematic attempt on behalf of narcissists to both actively promote an image of perfection and hide imperfections (i.e. perfectionistic self-presentation) might be responsible for low authenticity levels in terms of self-alienation, non-authentic living, and acceptance of external influence. Structural equation modeling with a sample of 274 undergraduates (50.4% F; mean age 22.26 ± 2.51) supported the hypothesized mediating effect of perfectionistic self-presentation in the association between vulnerable narcissism and low authenticity. The variables in the model accounted for 43%, 58%, and 68% of the variance in self-alienation, authentic living, and accepting external influence levels. A non-mediated effect of vulnerable narcissism on authenticity dimensions was also detected. Grandiose narcissism was not found to be associated with low levels of authenticity. Our research suggests that clinicians should address the intrapersonal costs of self-presentational concerns among vulnerable narcissists. Developing a more coherent and realistic sense of self (i.e. accepting imperfections) could go a long way towards helping vulnerable narcissists become more authentic individuals.

The current research focused on perfectionistic self-presentation and its relevance in models of narcissism as a form of overcompensation designed to deflect attention away from self-inadequacies. We took an extended view of perfectionistic self-presentation that includes a defensive need to seem effortlessly perfect and self-presentation capability. A sample of 305 students completed measures of narcissistic grandiosity, narcissistic vulnerability, perfectionistic self-presentation, effortless perfection, and perfectionistic self-presentation capability. Significant positive associations were found between grandiose narcissism and perfectionistic self-promotion and effortless perfection. Vulnerable narcissism was found to be associated will all facets of perfectionistic self-presentation, effortless perfection, and lower perceived ability to seem perfect. The present study paints a picture of grandiose narcissists as involved in promoting a perfect image of the self, pressured to be perfect with apparent ease and perceiving a sense of being able to promote such an image of perfection. In contrast, vulnerable perfectionists have a strong need to seem perfect but they feel unable to project this image. Our results are in keeping with the notion that vulnerable narcissists attempt to hide behind a mask but they do not feel fully capable of projecting an image of perfection.

The current study had the dual purpose of identifying consequences associated with perfectionistic self-presentation (PSP) and evaluating these factors as mediator of the proposed link between PSP and Problematic use of Internet communicative services (GPIU). The present study hypothesized that a self-presentation style characterized by the need to avoid displaying imperfections is associated with GPIU because communicating online rather than in person affords greater control through the reduction of non-verbal cues and the greater temporal flexibility. A sample of 200 university student participants completed measures assessing PSP, GPIU, and perceived controllable aspects of behaviors associated with relying on computer mediated communications (i.e. managing nonverbal displays and buying more time before having to respond). Structural equation modeling confirmed that those who systematically try to avoid revealing their supposed “less than perfect” behaviors or performance place great emphasis on the reduction of nonverbal cues and the temporal flexibility offered by the computer mediated interactions, which, in turn predicts GPIU levels. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for GPIU and for the perfectionism social disconnection model.

The social skills model of generalized problematic internet use predicts that individuals who perceive themselves as having low social competencies are at risk to develop a preference for online social interactions (POSI), which, in turn, might lead to compulsive use of Internet communication services. The present study aims to investigate if self-reported emotional intelligence (EI)—interpersonal and intrapersonal abilities—has an effect on POSI levels, and if this effect is mediated by the subjective importance attached to the major controllability (RC) and reduced non-verbal cues (RNVC) of computer mediated communication. 192 high schools and college students were recruited. Results from structural equation modeling show that Intrapersonal EI predicts both RC and RNVC, which, in turn, predicts the level of POSI. A partial mediation effect was found. On the other hand, Interpersonal EI is significantly associated with POSI, but this association cannot be explained by RC and RNVC. Its effect on POSI seems to be either direct or explained by variables not considered in the present study.