Exploring the complexity of the self: An investigation of the relations between positive and negative components of self-compassion and self-esteem, and grandiose and vulnerable narcissism

The self plays a paramount role in narcissism. We therefore examined the relationships between the positive and negative components of self-esteem (i.e., self-worth vs. self-deprecation) and self-compassion (i.e., ‘true’ self-compassion vs. self-criticism), and their associations with the subtypes of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Hundred-twenty non-clinical participants were surveyed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Pathological Narcissism Inventory. The negative components of self-esteem (self-deprecation) and self-compassion (self-criticism) were associated with higher levels of both narcissistic subtypes, with these associations generally being stronger for vulnerable narcissism than for grandiose narcissism. Contrary to expectations, little evidence supported the notion that high levels of the positive component of self-esteem were associated with high levels of grandiose narcissism. Self-worth and grandiose narcissism were only positively associated when controlling for the other (positive and negative) components of self-esteem and self-compassion. This study illustrates that examining the distinct positive and negative dimensions of self-esteem and self-compassion will likely offer a more nuanced and balanced understanding of the interplay between self-related vulnerability and resilience, and the complex, multifaceted nature of narcissism.