When social anxiety and narcissism coincide: an exploration of narcissistic social anxiety subgroups

This thesis developed an argument for the existence of narcissistic social anxiety subtypes. Across two studies, four socially anxious subgroups were identified. Of these, three were associated with elevated narcissism. Two subgroups were characterised by covert narcissism, and the third by both overt and covert narcissism. Individuals in the three narcissistic social anxiety subgroups were found to be more maladjusted than socially anxious individuals without elevated narcissism, reporting more shame, depression, anxiety, and stress. The identification of these subgroups provides a better understanding of the complex nature of social anxiety, and has implications for the treatment of social anxiety.