Objective: to investigate the mediating role of pathological narcissism in
childhood trauma and adult attachment. Methods: 303 college students were surveyed
by Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form, Pathological Narcissism Inventory
and Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory. Results: there was a significant
positive correlation between childhood trauma and pathological narcissism and adult
attachment, and a significant positive correlation between pathological narcissism and
adult attachment. The mediating effect analysis results showed that the direct effect
was 0.345 and the indirect effect was 0.281, and the total effect was 0.626, all of which
were significant. Conclusion: pathological narcissism is partly mediating between
childhood trauma and adult attachment.