Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.24869/psyd.2022.483

ALEXITHYMIA IN FACEBOOK ADDICTION: ABOVE AND BEYOND THE ROLE OF PATHOLOGICAL NARCISSISM

Guyonne Rogier ; Department of Educational Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
Rosetta Castellano ; Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Patrizia Velotti orcid.org/0000-0002-1933-8314 ; Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

Abstract

Background: Personality dysfunctions and deficits in the capacity to cope with negative emotional states have been related to
internet addictions. However, in relation to Facebook addiction, this issue remains poorly investigated. Specifically, few studies
explored the role played by grandiose and vulnerable narcissism in Facebook addiction. Furthermore, the relationship between
alexithymia and pathological narcissism has not yet been explored in relation to problematic Facebook use. The main objective of
this study was to examine the association among Facebook addiction, pathological narcissism and alexithymia.
Method: A cross sectional study was designed to this aim. A sample of adult participants (N=270; Mage= 41.05; SD = 14.05)
was administered the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS), The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) and the Toronto
Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20).
Results: Results showed that pathological narcissism, and especially grandiose narcissism, appears to be an important factor
associated to problematic Facebook usage among adults. Moreover, difficulties in the capacity to identify their own emotional states
may be a risk factor for such condition.
Conclusions: In conclusion, these results are in line with other data found in the field of behavioral addictions and add further
reflection for planning more specific clinical intervention programs for individuals addicted to Facebook with narcissistic traits.
These may benefit from a greater focus on the impairments in self-monitoring capacities such as emotional awareness. Personality
psychopathologies should be targeted by clinical interventions, but also broader functional impairments (as such as alexithymia)
should be addressed as more strategic therapeutic objectives in the field of Facebook Addiction.

Keywords

grandiose narcissism; vulnerable narcissism; Facebook addiction; alexithymia

Hrčak ID:

290316

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/290316

Publication date:

3.11.2022.

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