Peer Problems in Narcissistic Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Emotion Regulation Strategies

ABSTRACT This study explores the associations among narcissistic traits, emotion regulation strategies, and peer problems among adolescents. Specifically, it examines whether cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression moderate the relationship between narcissistic traits and peer problems. In total 2207 individuals (1165, 52.8% females), aged between 13 and 16 ( M = 14.04, SD = 0.81) responded to self‐report measures. Results confirmed that narcissism is positively correlated with peer problems, consistent with prior research. Emotion regulation strategies showed distinct patterns: expressive suppression was linked to a stronger association between narcissism and peer problems, whereas cognitive reappraisal was linked to a weaker association. Preliminary analyses indicated that males reported higher levels of narcissism and expressive suppression, but gender did not moderate the narcissism–peer problems link. These findings underscore the importance of emotion regulation in understanding social difficulties among adolescents with narcissistic traits and suggest the value of gender‐sensitive, school‐based interventions that promote adaptive regulation strategies. The study offers practical considerations for prevention and intervention efforts and informs future research on adolescent social development.