Abstract
Addressing an underresearched aspect of narcissism, this study investigated subclinical “grandiose” and “vulnerable” narcissism within the context of domestic violence. Common triggers evoking narcissistic rage and differences in narcissistic injury response were explored. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with seven participants who reported being in a relationship with a narcissistic partner were thematically analyzed. Three overarching themes emerged: (a) overt and covert expressions of abuse, (b) challenge to self-perceived authority, and (c) fear of abandonment. Findings suggest both grandiose and vulnerable narcissists’ reactions to narcissistic injury are most likely covertly and overtly aggressive and violent; however, the underlying motives for the behavior differed. For grandiose narcissists, violence was commonly triggered by threats to self-esteem, whereas vulnerable narcissists commonly experienced significant injury and rage from fear of abandonment. It is argued that attempts to regulate and restore self-esteem for the two subtypes of narcissistic presentation will differ, thus providing further support for theoretical distinctions between grandiose and vulnerable narcissists in intimate relationships. It is concluded that popular images of the narcissist are overly simplistic as the personality trait is more complex than the grandiose type typically presented. This study contributes new understanding to the nature of narcissism in domestic violence. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Highlights
The psychopathology of narcissism has been widely researched (Larson, Vaughn, Salas-Wright, & Delisi, 2015; Miller, Widiger, & Campbell, 2010; Ronningstam, 2005), with the extreme and unhealthy forms of narcissism considered a personality disorder
Clinical and empirical research consistently identifies two types of narcissistic characters, namely, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; APA, 2013) criteria of NPD emphasize the grandiose character at the expense of vulnerable content
The following section presents each theme with accompanying data narratives, before proceeding with a discussion of how the data findings relate and differ from existing literature on narcissism in domestic violence
Summary
The psychopathology of narcissism has been widely researched (Larson, Vaughn, Salas-Wright, & Delisi, 2015; Miller, Widiger, & Campbell, 2010; Ronningstam, 2005), with the extreme and unhealthy forms of narcissism considered a personality disorder (narcissistic personality disorder [NPD]; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Narcissistic rage is thought to be instigated by underlying feelings of shame and inferiority experienced as extremely severe, culminating in intense anger at the perceived sources of shame These intolerable emotions, if prolonged, may result in chronic rage reactions, which further aggravate existing feelings of guilt and shame, in turn fueling anger and creating a self-perpetuating “shame-rage spiral” (Krizan & Johar, 2015). Such behavior captures narcissistic rage as a state of explosive anger, narcissists may respond to provocations and insults in a passive– aggressive manner (Miller et al, 2010; Roark, 2012). Such behavior may involve narcissists holding grudges against those who are perceived to have wronged them, carefully planning plots for revenge to reassert domination and control, and repair damage done to self-esteem (Roark, 2012)
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