Narcissistic Personality Traits and Sexual Dysfunction in Women: the Role of Body Image Self-Consciousness (Poster Presentation)

Objectives We aimed to evaluate the associations between self-reported pathological narcissistic traits, both grandiose and vulnerable, and sexual functioning in a large sample of nonclinical women. We also tested body image self-consciousness, which we hypothesized could have a mediating role in these associations. Methods Participants (N = 656 women) completed an online questionnaire. The self-reports included Female Sexual Function Index, Female Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale, and Pathological Narcissism Inventory. We carried out two mediation models, one for vulnerable narcissism, and the other for grandiose narcissism. Results The results highlight that vulnerable narcissistic traits are associated with lower sexual functioning, this association being mediated by higher levels of body image self-consciousness. The effect of vulnerable narcissism on the mediator and the effect of the mediator on the outcome variable were statistically significant (β = .35, t = 7.28, p < .001 and β = -.23, t = 4.48, p < .001, respectively). Conversely, grandiose narcissistic traits are linked to lower body image self-consciousness: the higher the grandiose narcissism, the lower the concerns related to bodily appearance in sexual contexts (β = -.18, t = -3.14, p = .002). Body image self-consciousness partially mediates association with sexual functioning (β = -.21, t = -4.04 p < .001).he higher the grandiose narcissism, the lower the sexual self-consciousness, and consequently, the higher the sexual functioning. Conclusion Considering the link between body image self-consciousness and sexuality is of utmost importance in clinical practice with women, as well as in promoting positive body appreciation. Clinicians working with individuals presenting with pathological personality traits should consider including an assessment of their sexual functioning.