The relationship between vulnerable narcissism and body dissatisfaction among cosplayers: the serial mediating mechanisms of self-objectification and rumination.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the association between vulnerable narcissism and body dissatisfaction among cosplayers and investigated the serial mediating mechanisms of self-objectification and rumination.

METHODS

A total of 335 cosplayers completed validated measures assessing vulnerable narcissism, self-objectification, rumination, and body dissatisfaction using a three-wave survey design. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapped mediation analysis were used to test the hypothetical model.

RESULTS

Vulnerable narcissism, self-objectification, rumination, and body dissatisfaction were significantly and positively intercorrelated (p < 0.01). Vulnerable narcissism was positively associated with body dissatisfaction. Self-objectification and rumination independently mediated this relationship. Moreover, a significant serial mediation pathway was identified (vulnerable narcissism → self-objectification → rumination → body dissatisfaction).

CONCLUSION

Vulnerable narcissism is directly associated with body dissatisfaction among cosplayers and indirectly related to it through both parallel and serial mediation via self-objectification and rumination. Interventions targeting vulnerable narcissistic traits, reducing self-objectification, and disrupting ruminative thought patterns may help alleviate body dissatisfaction in this population.