The relationship between narcissistic traits and attitudes toward infidelity: A dyadic analysis.

Abstract

Previous research suggested that narcissism is associated with infidelity and reduced commitment in relationships. However, the majority of studies supporting this association were conducted among individuals and did not examine dyadic paths and also conceptualized and measured narcissism as a global variable, lacking a nuance perspective of the two traits of narcissism (i.e., grandiose and vulnerable). The present study sought to examine attitudes toward infidelity from a dyadic perspective, using narcissism personality traits (grandiose and vulnerable) as predictors. The effect of narcissism personality traits on attitudes toward infidelity was investigated among 135 couples (N = 270) in enduring relationships. To assess whether attitudes toward infidelity were explained by grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism, we used multivariate multilevel statistical model for matched pairs to evaluate the effect of each partner's characteristics on their own (actor effect) and their partner's (partner effect) attitudes. The results indicate that females' attitudes toward infidelity were positively associated with their own grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism and negatively associated with their partner's grandiose narcissism. Males' attitudes toward infidelity were positively associated with both their own and their partner's vulnerable narcissism but not with their or their partner's grandiose narcissism. The results highlighted the importance of studying different aspects of narcissism in relation to dyadic processes within intimate relationships in general and regarding infidelity in particular. Our findings suggest that more or less favorable attitudes toward infidelity depend not only on the individual's narcissistic traits but on his/her partner's grandiosity and vulnerability as well.

Links between Couples’ Cynical Hostility and Mental Health: A Dyadic Investigation of Older Couples

“…Second, as women are usually kin keepers in families, men tend to be more dependent on their spouses for social interactions than the other way around. This means that, whereas women may have greater social independency and are, hence, less affected by their husband's social schemas, men usually name their spouse as their confidant [53]; hence they may be more adversely affected by their wives' schemas and behaviors [54].…”

The Association between Women’s History of Sexual Abuse, Mental Health, and Sexual Motivations in Committed Intimate Relationships

“…The negative direction of the documented association also implies the negative nature (i.e., not promoting intimacy and closeness) of these motivations. However, it is possible that in some cases these motivations can increase one's self-esteem and reduce depression, especially among narcissistic individuals who may feel more positively about themselves when they establish control in their relationships [51]. Such possibilities call for caution when interpreting the valence of these motivations.…”