The Influence of Covert Narcissism on the Interpersonal Compertence: The Mediating Effects of Social Support and Self-Compassion

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effect of social support and self-compassion, as well as the sequential double mediation effect, in the relationship between implicit narcissism and interpersonal competence among college students. Methods This study was conducted with university students aged 18 to 29 years, both male and female. Data collection was carried out using an online self-report survey, and participants were provided with information about the research purpose, response instructions, and confidentiality of personal information. Only respondents who agreed to these terms were allowed to continue with the survey. To this end, a survey was conducted with a total of 313 college students using the Implicit Narcissism Scale, Interpersonal Competence Scale, Social Support Scale, and Self-Compassion Scale. Data analysis and structural equation modeling were performed. Results First, all variables showed significant correlations. Implicit narcissism had a significant negative correlation with social support, self-compassion, and interpersonal competence, while social support and self-compassion showed significant positive correlations with interpersonal competence. Second, social support and self-compassion showed significant mediating effects in the relationship between implicit narcissism and interpersonal competence. Third, social support and self-compassion sequentially mediated the relationship between implicit narcissism and interpersonal competence, demonstrating a significant sequential double mediation effect. Conclusions The results of this study confirm that social support, an external factor, and self-compassion, an internal factor, significantly influence individuals with implicit narcissism in terms of their ability to demonstrate interpersonal competence.