Abstract

This study aimed to explore the mediating effects of anger suppression and self-silencing on the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and loneliness. To achieve this, an online survey was conducted with 443 unmarried adults aged 20 to 39, ultimately retaining data from 419 participants for the final analysis. The research model was assessed using SPSS 21.0 and PROCESS MACRO 4.0 to examine variable correlations and mediating effects. The results indicated that vulnerable narcissism, anger suppression, self-silencing, and loneliness were all positively and significantly correlated. Additionally, while self-silencing demonstrated a significant partial mediating effect on the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and loneliness, anger suppression did not show a significant mediating effect. Furthermore, the study confirmed a significant sequential mediating effect of both anger suppression and self-silencing in the relationship between vulnerable narcissism and loneliness. These findings suggest that when unmarried adults in their 20s and 30s express feelings of loneliness in counseling, it is important to consider the role of vulnerable narcissism. In conclusion, the study acknowledges its limitations while providing practical implications for counseling practice and suggesting avenues for future research.