Individual Differences Research

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Individual Differences Research > Volume 11, Issue 4 (2013) > 139-148

Ripples in the Reflecting Pool: Narcissistic Subtypes and Reactions to Past Relationship Events

Erin Myers, Virgil Zeigler-Hill, Christopher T. Barry

Abstract

The present study examined whether normal (i.e., adaptive) or pathological (i.e., maladaptive) aspects of narcissism were associated with more negative perceptions of a current romantic relationship following the written recollection of a negative relationship event. We predicted that individuals with high scores on the maladaptive facet of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (i.e., exploitation/entitlement) and those with high scores on the Pathological Narcissism Inventory would enact self-protective strategies following the recollection of a negative relationship event resulting in decreased satisfaction, commitment, and investment in the relationship, as well as increased interest in alternative relationship partners. Participants (N = 152) completed measures of narcissism before writing about a negative or positive relationship event. Participants then completed measures pertaining to their current romantic relationship (i.e., satisfaction, commitment, investment, quality of alternatives). Results offered partial support for our hypotheses such that individuals with high levels of NPI exploitation/entitlement reported greater interest in alternative relationship partners after recalling a negative relationship event.