Crossing the line: Switches in Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissistic States - Preprint

Research into the state definitions and momentary expressions of narcissism is still in its infancy. One uncertainty is if narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability cross a threshold-line leading to switches in and out of narcissistic states. The current research investigated these grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic state switches by exploring different possibilities to define switches and analysing the link between narcissistic traits and state switches. Community participants (N = 163) completed grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic trait questionnaires and six days of ecological momentary assessments, measuring grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic states ten times a day. A mixed observed Markov model analysed the probabilities of the grandiose and vulnerable state switches occurring, as predicted by grandiose and vulnerable trait subcomponents. The results showed that narcissistic state switches regularly occurred, and that narcissistic traits predicted the probabilities of switching in and out of states. Specifically, greater grandiose superiority/arrogance and self-absorption/self-admiration related to frequent switching to grandiose states. Grandiose leadership/authority was the only grandiose subcomponent related to vulnerable switches, with higher traits decreasing the probability to transition out of vulnerable states. Finally, greater vulnerable oversensitivity to judgement traits related to an increased likelihood to experience switches to vulnerable states. The data shows that narcissism is not stagnant throughout. Instead, individuals regularly cross the line and fall in and out of grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic momentary expressions. The pattern of these switches is steered by differential trait levels of narcissistic subcomponents.