Narcissism and Selfie Addiction Among Young Mexicans: Factorial and Structural Evidence of a Risk to Mental Health

Background: The relationship between the dimensions of selfie addiction and narcissism in students at the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (UAZ, Autonomous University of Zacatecas), Mexico, was analysed. The aim of this study was to identify the factors of narcissism associated with students' addictive behaviour towards selfies. Methods: To identify the relationship between narcissism and selfie addiction, the NPI-40 Narcissistic Personality Inventory and the Psychometric Selfie Addiction Scale (PSAS) were used. This was done using a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to carry out the structural validation process. EFA and CFA confirmed adequate fit and reliability indicators regarding the robust multidimensional structure of the Selfie Addiction Scale. Results: SEM indicated that narcissistic traits predict selfie addiction. It also indicated that there is body objectification and appearance comparison through social media. This research provides important findings on recent structural and psychometric evidence in the Mexican student population, as it integrates the NPI-40 and PSAS, as well as a parsimonious explanatory Structural Equation Modelling that demonstrates the relationship between narcissistic traits and social media practices. Conclusions: The results provide a basis for developing digital literacy interventions for young people and future cross-validations.