Narcissistic Traits and Self-Concept Clarity: The Moderating Role of Social Desirability among Indian Emerging Adults

The present study examined the moderating role of social desirability on the relationship between narcissistic traits and self-concept clarity among Indian emerging adults. A sample of 329 Indian young adults aged 18-25 years completed the Narcissistic personality inventory-16, Hypersensitive Narcissism scale, Self-concept clarity scale, and Marlowe- Crowne social desirability scale (Form C). Vulnerable narcissistic traits were negatively associated with self-concept clarity (rs=-.49, p<.001). Social desirability significantly moderated the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and self-concept clarity (B=0.06, p=.008), acting as a protective buffer. Grandiose narcissism did not significantly predict self-concept clarity; However, exploratory regression analysis revealed a suppression effect whereby grandiose narcissism became significant when vulnerable narcissism was controlled (B=0.360, p=.01). These findings highlight the differential role of narcissistic subtypes in self-concept clarity and suggest that socially desirable behaviour may serve as a protective mechanism, particularly for vulnerable narcissistic traits.