Loneliness and depression symptoms: The moderating role of narcissism

Abstract Introduction The current study investigated the association between loneliness and depression symptoms, as well as vulnerable and grandiose narcissism. Methods An online survey was conducted obtaining a sample of 701 German-speaking participants (age: M (SD) = 24.17 (5.64), range: 18–58). Results A positive association between loneliness and the occurrence of depression symptoms was revealed. Furthermore, the link between loneliness and depression symptoms was moderated by both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Limitations The sample consisted of a majority of university students limiting the generalizability of the findings. In addition, self-reports were used without obtaining experimental evidence. Conclusions Narcissism is identified as a moderator of the relationship between loneliness and depression symptoms. More specifically, both high grandiose narcissism and high vulnerable narcissism enhance the association between loneliness and depression symptoms.