RESEARCH PAPER
Connecting the dots between narcissism and fame appeal: the role of imaginary audience fantasies
1
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, United States
2
Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, United States
Submission date: 2024-02-09
Final revision date: 2024-11-07
Acceptance date: 2024-12-11
Online publication date: 2025-06-12
Current Issues in Personality Psychology 2025;13(3):202-210
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
the role of personality in interpersonal relations and social behaviorsindividual differencesthe interplay of culture and personality
ABSTRACT
Background:
Although prior research has found a significant association between narcissistic tendencies and fame interest, details regarding the particular nature of this relationship remain to be elucidated. The present online survey study (N = 355) replicates and extends prior research examining the links between two subtypes of narcissism and fame appeal. Specifically, we distinguish between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, as predictors of Visibility, Status, and Prosocial domains of fame appeal. Further, we examine the potential mediating role of imaginary audience fantasies.
Participants and procedure:
Participants were drawn from a student sample (74% female-identifying) aged 18 to 25 who completed an online survey for course credit.
Results:
Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism predicted the Visibility appeal of fame, but only vulnerable narcissism predicted the Status appeal of fame. An inverse relationship emerged between grandiose narcissism and Prosocial appeal. Importantly, the frequency of imaginary audience fantasies mediated between both forms of narcissism and the Visibility and Prosocial appeals of fame.
Conclusions:
For those with grandiose or vulnerable narcissistic tendencies, whose self-image incorporates fantasies of being noticed and admired, celebrity and fame may be particularly appealing.
Although prior research has found a significant association between narcissistic tendencies and fame interest, details regarding the particular nature of this relationship remain to be elucidated. The present online survey study (N = 355) replicates and extends prior research examining the links between two subtypes of narcissism and fame appeal. Specifically, we distinguish between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, as predictors of Visibility, Status, and Prosocial domains of fame appeal. Further, we examine the potential mediating role of imaginary audience fantasies.
Participants and procedure:
Participants were drawn from a student sample (74% female-identifying) aged 18 to 25 who completed an online survey for course credit.
Results:
Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism predicted the Visibility appeal of fame, but only vulnerable narcissism predicted the Status appeal of fame. An inverse relationship emerged between grandiose narcissism and Prosocial appeal. Importantly, the frequency of imaginary audience fantasies mediated between both forms of narcissism and the Visibility and Prosocial appeals of fame.
Conclusions:
For those with grandiose or vulnerable narcissistic tendencies, whose self-image incorporates fantasies of being noticed and admired, celebrity and fame may be particularly appealing.
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