Spiritual Well-being as a Predictor of Hypersensitive Narcissism and Depressive Tendencies among Generation Z in a Catholic University

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between hypersensitive narcissism and depressive tendencies among Generation Z students and explored the role of selected demographic variables such as sex, birth order, DISC personality, and spiritual well-being as potential predictors. Using a descriptive-correlational and regression design, data were collected from 364 first- and second-year college students from a Catholic university. Standardized self-report measures were administered to assess hypersensitive narcissism, depressive tendencies, personality type, and spiritual well-being. Results revealed that respondents have high spiritual well-being, moderate levels of hypersensitive narcissism, and mild depressive tendencies. Spiritual well-being was the only variable significantly associated with both hypersensitive narcissism and depressive tendencies, with higher spiritual well-being linked to lower levels of both constructs. A significant positive relationship was found between hypersensitive narcissism and depressive tendencies. Regression analyses further indicated that spiritual well-being predicted lower hypersensitive narcissism, and milder depressive tendencies. Findings suggest that spiritual well-being may function as a protective resource that supports emotional regulation and reduces psychological vulnerability among emerging adults implying the necessity of incorporating it into the guidance programs and services for holistic development of Generation Z students in a Catholic higher education setting.