Using Imagined Interactions to Predict Covert Narcissism

Abstract

This research examined the association between covert narcissism and imagined interactions, a type of social cognition and intrapersonal communication using the hypersensitive narcissism scale and the Survey of Imagined Interactions. Covert narcissism defined as hypersensitivity to criticism and overcompensating with inflated self exaggeration has been ignored in communication and in psychology. A regression analysis based on 252 participants revealed support for hypotheses demonstrating associations between frequency, self-dominance, ruminating about conflict and narcissism as well as significant associations between lack of compensation, relational maintenance, and covert narcissism. Results are discussed in terms of an intrapersonal communication profile of covert narcissism.

Keywords:

• Covert Narcissism
• Imagined Interactions

Notes

Note. N = 252. Model 1: r² = .15; Adjusted r² = .12. Model 2: r² = .21; Adjusted r² = .16.

**Indicates significance at the .01 level. *Indicates significance at the .05 level.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James M. Honeycutt

James M. Honeycutt is Distinguished Professor of Communication Studies at The Louisiana State University.

Michelle E. Pence

Michelle E. Pence is Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, The University of Texas-Permian Basin.

Christopher C. Gearhart

Christopher C. Gearhart is Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies, Tarleton State University.