Narcissistic traits and emotional dependence on large language models among adolescents

Abstract

This study examined associations between narcissistic traits and emotional dependence on large language models (LLMs) among adolescents, focusing on anxiety and physical activity. A multistage stratified sample of 1622 Chinese junior high school students was surveyed in November 2025. Narcissistic traits, anxiety, LLM emotional dependence, and physical activity were assessed using the FFNI-SF, GAD-2, an adapted five-item LLM emotional dependence measure, and PARS-3, respectively. Pearson correlations and PROCESS Models 4 and 7 with 5,000 bootstrap resamples were conducted, with Johnson–Neyman analysis used to probe the interaction. Narcissistic traits correlated positively with anxiety (r=0.118, P<0.001) and LLM emotional dependence (r=0.301, P<0.001), while anxiety correlated positively with LLM emotional dependence (r=0.146, P<0.001). Physical activity correlated negatively with anxiety (r=−0.119, P<0.001) and LLM emotional dependence (r=−0.075, P = 0.002). Adjusting for grade and left-behind status, anxiety showed a small indirect association between narcissistic traits and LLM emotional dependence (Effect=0.011, 95% CI [0.004, 0.020]). The narcissistic traits × physical activity interaction was significant (β=−0.056, P = 0.015), with the narcissism–anxiety association significant below 0.73 SD of physical activity. The moderated mediation index was not significant (Index=−0.0061, 95% bootstrap CI [−0.0130, 0.0001]). Narcissistic traits were positively associated with adolescent LLM emotional dependence, with a small cross-sectional indirect association through anxiety. Physical activity moderated the narcissism–anxiety association, although overall moderated mediation was not supported.