Why narcissists are at risk for developing Facebook addiction: The need to be admired and the need to belong

• Published in: Addictive behaviors Vol. 76; pp. 312 - 318
• Main Authors: Casale, Silvia, Fioravanti, Giulia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2018; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Addictions; Adult; Behavior, Addictive - epidemiology; Behavior, Addictive - psychology; Facebook addiction; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Italy - epidemiology; Lead; Male; Narcissism; Need for admiration; Need to belong; Networking; Risk; Self Concept; Social Networking; Social networking addiction; Social networks; Social organization; Students - psychology; Students - statistics & numerical data; Uses and gratifications theory; Young Adult; Uses and gratifications theory; Need to belong; Narcissism; Facebook addiction; Social networking addiction; Need for admiration
• ISSN: 0306-4603; 1873-6327
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.08.038

Building upon previous research establishing a positive association between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and problematic social networking use, the present study tests a model that explains how grandiose and vulnerable narcissists might develop Facebook (Fb) addiction symptoms through the need for admiration and the need to belong. A sample of 535 undergraduates (50.08% F; mean age 22.70±2.76years) completed measures of grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, Fb addiction symptoms, and two brief scales measuring the need for admiration and the need to belong. Results from structural equation modelling show that the association between grandiose narcissism and Fb addiction levels was completely mediated by the need for admiration and the need to belong. On the other hand, vulnerable narcissism was not found to be associated either directly or indirectly with Fb addiction levels. The variables in the model accounted for 30% of the variance in Fb addiction levels. The present study represents a step toward a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying the link between grandiose narcissism and problematic Fb use.
•The association between GN and FB addiction levels was mediated by the need for admiration•The association between GN and FB addiction levels was mediated by the need to belong.•VN was not found to be associated either directly or indirectly with Fb addiction levels.•The variables in the model accounted for 30% of the variance in Fb addiction levels.