Narcissism and Romantic Relationship Functioning: The Mediating Role of Coercive and Collaborative Theories of Power
Narcissism is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with the self, a sense of entitlement, and a constant need for admiration and validation. These characteristics may help explain why individuals with narcissistic tendencies desire power, endorse value systems involving power, and perceive themselves to have power in their current relationships. Narcissism and power share a complex and intertwined relationship because power not only provides a platform for narcissistic individuals to showcase their perceived superiority, but it also offers them the means to manipulate and exploit those around them.
Considering the links between narcissism and power, it is not surprising that power assumes a significant role in the romantic relationship experiences of narcissistic individuals. For instance, extroverted narcissism, which is characterized by a strong inclination toward self-promotion and a desire to be the center of attention, has exhibited a positive correlation with the perception of power within romantic contexts. Moreover, perceptions of achieved power moderate the negative association between antagonistic narcissism and the functioning of romantic relationships with this association being particularly notable when individuals felt they had limited influence in their relationships. This implies that power may have a pivotal part to play in shaping the connections between narcissism and romantic outcomes. These findings illustrate how individuals with narcissistic traits may have diverse romantic relationship experiences, influenced in part by issues surrounding power.
An MRI grant has funded the research of Dr. Virgil Zeigler-Hill, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology at Oakland University. He has extended previous research by exploring the question of whether issues surrounding power mediate the associations that narcissistic personality traits have with indicators of romantic relationship functioning.
Dr. Zeigler-Hill recruited two samples. Sample 1 consisted of 698 participants who provided information about themselves and their romantic relationships, but their romantic partners did not participate. Sample 2 consisted of 350 participants (175 dyads) where both members of the dyad provided their information. All participants were required to be in a committed heterosexual relationship with their current partner for at least 6 months. Participants completed self-report measures of narcissistic personality traits, issues surrounding power in the romantic relationship, and romantic relationship functioning via a secure website.
The researcher expected that narcissistic personality traits and romantic relationship functioning would be mediated by issues concerning power. The results show that the desire for power sometimes mediated the connections that narcissistic personality traits had with the functioning of romantic relationships. This pattern was the clearest and the most consistent for antagonistic narcissism, such that it exhibited negative relationships with romantic relationship functioning – both for the individuals and their romantic partners – through the desire for power. This implies that for individuals displaying elevated levels of antagonistic narcissism, the desire for power may contribute to an array of negative behaviors and attitudes that undermine the health of their romantic relationships. In essence, the desire for power could potentially exacerbate preexisting issues within these relationships by fostering an atmosphere characterized by conflict, control, and manipulation, ultimately impeding the development of healthy relationship dynamics.
The results of this project show that issues surrounding power – especially the desire for power – play important roles in the romantic relationships of individuals with narcissistic personality features.
These results may serve as the foundation for various practical and clinical applications. For example, the long-term interpersonal relationships of narcissistic individuals are often characterized by conflict. It may therefore be beneficial for clinicians who are providing services to individuals who are narcissistic – or who are involved in a romantic relationship with someone who is narcissistic – to consider how issues surrounding the desire for power may impact their lives and interactions with others. Similarly, clinical interventions could be developed to help individuals – especially those with narcissistic personality traits – recognize and better understand their desire for power in their romantic relationships as well as some of the negative consequences of seeking to gain power in these relationships.