Narzissmus in romantischen Beziehungen: Unterstützungsprozesse und die moderierende Rolle des Vertrauens

Abstract

Narcissism is associated with inter- and intrapersonal dynamics that often lead to long-term difficulties, affecting the everyday lives of individuals with high levels of narcissism, as well as those of their interaction partners. Previous research on narcissism in romantic relationships has shown that these difficulties extend to intimate bonds, with individuals with high levels of narcissism and their partners generally facing greater challenges in maintaining satisfying and enduring relationships. This study examined grandiose and vulnerable narcissism within the framework of dyadic support processes (i.e. enacted and perceived negative dyadic coping), which are essential for maintaining healthy and functional relationships. Additionally, the moderating role of trust within these support processes was investigated. Data were drawn from a subclinical sample of 233 heterosexual couples recruited via an online survey. To account for the interdependent nature of the dyadic data, analyses were conducted using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) and its extension, the Actor-Partner Interdependence Moderation Model (APIMoM). The results indicated that relationships involving individuals with high levels of narcissism were characterized by more enacted and perceived negative dyadic coping (i.e. hostility and criticism), than relationships involving individuals with low levels of narcissism. This negative dyadic coping was amplified when trust levels were low. However, higher levels of trust were associated with improved dyadic coping processes, bringing them in line with those observed in relationships involving individuals with low levels of narcissism. Reduced enacted and perceived negative dyadic coping was linked to greater relationship commitment among individuals with high levels of narcissism, in a manner like that observed among individuals with low levels of narcissism. Overall, the findings suggest that trust may be a key mechanism that enables more responsive interaction patterns to emerge in relationships involving individuals with high levels of narcissism. By fostering trust, couples may be better able to develop and maintain functional romantic relationships despite elevated narcissistic levels