Psychological Correlates of Fame Motivation in High School Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19090/pp.v19i2.2632Keywords:
grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, motivation for fame, adolescents, PNIAbstract
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism and the motivation for fame among adolescents, building upon previous research that primarily focused on grandiose narcissism. The sample consisted of 232 high school students from three schools in Belgrade (52.6% male; M = 16.07 years). Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism were measured using the Serbian adaptation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI), while the motivation for fame was assessed using the Serbian version of the Fame Interest Scale (FIS). Correlational analyses revealed that both forms of narcissism were positively associated with motivation for fame and its subdimensions. Multiple regression analysis indicated that grandiose narcissism was a stronger predictor of overall motivation for fame, while the subdimensions of grandiose fantasies, exploitation, and contingent self-esteem contributed positively, and self-devaluation negatively, to the prediction. The findings suggest that motivation for fame involves both grandiose and vulnerable components of narcissism and reflects psychological processes related to self-esteem, emotional regulation, and the pursuit of social status affirmation. The strong intercorrelation between dimensions of pathological narcissism provides empirical support for contemporary theoretical models emphasizing their interdependence and shared psychological foundations. These findings offer a basis for the development of preventive and counseling interventions aimed at fostering a stable identity and reducing reliance on external validation among youth, particularly in the modern digital context. Methodological limitations are highlighted, and directions for future research are proposed.
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