Narcissistic Vulnerability, Self-discrepancy, and Self-esteem as Predictors of Propensity for Social Phobia

Some clinicians have identified preoccupation with exaggerated ideal self as a common personality feature in hypersensitive narcissists and socio-phobic patients. Broucek (1991) and Okano (1998) regarded hypersensitive narcissists as individuals annoyed by shame that reflected the discrepancy between their exaggerated ideal self and devalued real self, while Kohut (1971) did not consider that they possessed high ideal self. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among predictors of social phobia, and synthesize Broucek's and Okano's view with that of Kohut. For this study, we developed a short version of Narcissistic Vulnerability Scale based on Kohut's perspective. In Study 1, the scale was administered to 216 students and its correlations with other scales examined. In Study 2, 249 students completed it and scales of ideal-and-real self-discrepancy, self-esteem, and propensity for social phobia. Results suggested that narcissistic vulnerability, as well as self-discrepancy, directly and indirectly exacerbated propensity for social phobia. In addition, it was found that self-discrepancy and narcissistic vulnerability had a positive correlation.