Narcissistic Personality Traits Research Articles

Narcissism and romantic relationship functioning: The mediating role of the desire for power

AbstractWe investigated the potential role played by the desire for power in the connections between narcissistic personality traits and indicators of romantic relationship functioning. In Study 1, we discovered that antagonistic narcissism had indirect connections with indicators of romantic relationship functioning via the desire for power. In Study 2, we observed actor associations in romantic couples. More specifically, antagonistic narcissism exhibited indirect links with romantic relationship functioning through the desire for power for both men and women. Additionally, partner associations emerged from these analyses. For women and men, their antagonistic narcissism had an indirect association with the romantic relationship functioning of their partners through their own desire for power. Furthermore, the antagonistic narcissism of women was associated with the romantic relationship functioning of both themselves and their male partners, mediated by the desire for power as reported by their male partners. The associations that emerged for the other narcissistic personality traits were somewhat weak and inconsistent across these studies. In our discussion, we explore how the concept of the desire for power can offer insights into understanding the complex dynamics often observed in romantic relationships characterized by certain aspects of narcissism.

Narcissus reflected: Grey and white matter features joint contribution to the default mode network in predicting narcissistic personality traits.

Despite the clinical significance of narcissistic personality, its neural bases have not been clarified yet, primarily because of methodological limitations of the previous studies, such as the low sample size, the use of univariate techniques and the focus on only one brain modality. In this study, we employed for the first time a combination of unsupervised and supervised machine learning methods, to identify the joint contributions of grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) to narcissistic personality traits (NPT). After preprocessing, the brain scans of 135 participants were decomposed into eight independent networks of covarying GM and WM via parallel ICA. Subsequently, stepwise regression and Random Forest were used to predict NPT. We hypothesizedthat a fronto-temporo parietal network, mainly related to the default mode network, may be involved in NPT and associated WM regions. Results demonstrated a distributed network that included GM alterations in fronto-temporal regions, the insula and the cingulate cortex, along with WM alterations in cerebellar and thalamic regions. To assess the specificity of our findings, we also examined whether the brain network predicting narcissism could also predict other personality traits (i.e., histrionic, paranoid and avoidant personalities). Notably, this network did not predict such personality traits. Additionally, a supervised machine learning model (Random Forest) was used to extract a predictive model for generalization to new cases. Results confirmed that the same network could predict new cases. These findings hold promise for advancing our understanding of personality traits and potentially uncovering brain biomarkers associated with narcissism.

Shame in social interaction: Descriptions of experiences of shame by participants with high or low levels of narcissistic traits.

In this study, we investigate how personal experiences about shameful events are described in face-to-face social interaction, and how these stories differ between participants who have either high or low levels of narcissistic personality traits. The dataset consists of 22 dyadic conversations where the participants describe events where they felt ashamed of themselves. We found the narratives to vary in terms of five dimensions. With narcissistic individuals, the default narrative tended to exhibit a cluster of characteristics that gather at one end of these dimensions: (1) weak expressions of shame; (2) located in the story-world; (3) low level of reflexivity as well as; (4) responsibility of the described event; and (5) a general level of description. We discuss the findings in relation to sociological and psychological theories of shame and suggest that individuals with narcissistic personality traits are more inclined to use suppressive conversational practices in their treatment of shame, thus providing a "window" to these interactional practices.

The Mediator Role of Love Myhts between Narcissistic Personality Traits and Love Styles

Narcissistic personality traits are associated with relationship conflicts, and the way of perceiving relationships can affect behaviors and attitudes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the love myths mediator role between narcissistic personality traits and love styles. The research's sample was determined by a simple random sampling method. The sample includes 231 women 187 men in total 418 individuals between the ages of 18-45 (Mean=23.81, Standart Deviation=5.95) who stated that they had been in a romantic relationship and who participated in the study voluntarily. Measurement tools were socio-demographic data form, Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Love Attitudes Scale (Short-Form), and Love Myths Scale. The answers to the surveys were analyzed with the SPSS 25 program. Pearson Correlation Test and PROCESS 3.5 were used. Results indicated that abuse of love and idealization of love myhts mediate between narcissistic personality traits and mania and ludus love style. The results show that love myhts abuse of love and idealization creates a tendency in people with narcissistic personality traits to act like gamer, be careless, and be abusive in romantic relationships. The results of the study might be helpful in finding a solution to narcissistic people's relationship conflicts, raising relationship satisfaction, and by so preventing jealousy, infidelity, and careless or manipulative, aggressive, and abusive attitudes.

Influence of PCDH9 (rs9540720) and narcissistic personality traits on the incidence of major depressive disorder in Chinese first-year university students: findings from a 2-year cohort study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the influence of the polymorphism of the protocadherin 9 (PCDH9) gene and the narcissistic personality trait (NPT) on the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) in Chinese first-year university students. Methods: A 2-year cohort study was conducted among Chinese first-year university students who were enrolled in 2018 from two universities in Shandong Province, China. The snapshot technique was used to detect the genotypes of PCDH9 (rs9540720). The Chinese version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used for the MDD assessment. The NPTs were measured by 11 items based on DSM-IV. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Logistic regression modeling was carried out to examine the relationship between rs9540720, NPTs, and the incidence of MDD. Results: A total of 5,327 students participated in the baseline and follow-up studies and provided their blood samples. PCDH9 (rs9540720) (ORGG+GA = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.35-4.02) and NPTs (OR5-9 = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.40-3.64) increased the risk of MDD onset. There was no multiplicative interaction between NPTs and Rs9540720 (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.30-7.63). Furthermore, there was no additive interaction between them (RERI = 2.40, 95% CI: -0.82-5.62; AP = 0.47, 95% CI: -0.04-0.97; and S = 2.37, 95% CI: 0.54-10.33). Conclusion: PCDH9 (rs9540720) and more NPTs are the risk factors for the incidence of MDD in Chinese first-year university students.

The influence of CEO narcissistic personality traits on the indebtedness of B3 companies

The influence of CEO narcissistic personality traits on the indebtedness of B3 companies

An Assessment of The Effect of Generation Y And Z Executives' Perceptions of Religion on Narcissistic Personality Traits and Reflections Thereof on Business Life

Management, defined as doing business through others, plays the most important role among the functions in a metaphorical analogy as the heart of the business. The importance of the decisions taken within management and the vision, experience, personality traits and behaviors of managers in the realization of the main and subsidiary objectives of the business is self-evident. Thus, the personality structure of individuals at management levels affects their styles and the decisions they make in management processes. Religion is a socio-cultural value that regulates the individual’s life with others in society by conveying the rules, regulations, orders, and prohibitions regarding the life of human are in the social order, including the orders and prohibitions of Allah. Religion, as an element of culture, contains values that vary for everyone. It is associated with belief as a concept. The beliefs that occupy an important place in religion have deeply affected individuals in giving meaning to the world, existence, and life. An individual's religious perceptions permeate every aspect of their life. Religious perceptions transform into virtuous behaviors in the individual with faith in Allah or should do so. Hence, it is a necessity for a person with high religious perceptions to strive to establish a lifestyle per the commandments of Allah. Religion is the values that lead people to good, truth, beauty, virtuous behavior, selflessness, to help, to empathize, namely, to be a good servant and human being. Thus, we can say that religious orientations, which make the individual a good person who is beneficial to society, play a crucial role in the formation of personality traits and their development for the better. Since personality is a encompasses an individual's entire lifestyle, narcissistic personality traits encompass all the behaviors that affect a person's life. Narcissistic personality structure has a state where the person sees themselves as better and superior. In terms of religious perceptions, the formation of narcissistic personality traits is related to it. The stronger the religious values that direct the person toward the good and true, the more the self-centered structure is polished, and reveals a personality structure that treats others thoughtfully, doesn’t despise, distances from arrogance, cares for society, and is far from prioritizing oneself. We know from the verses and hadiths that the arrogant behavior of a person is considered one of the most disliked characteristics of Allah. Arrogance and humiliating others are among the characteristics of the narcissistic personality that religion won’t tolerate. This study aims to determine the effect of religious perceptions of generation Y and Z managers on narcissistic personality and evaluate their reflections on business life.
 In the study, a scale consisting of 24 statements was used to measure the perception of religion, and one consisting of 18 statements from nine admiration dimensions and nine competition dimensions for narcissism. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted to ensure the construct validity. After entering the data into the SPSS-25 program, confidence analysis and exploratory factor analysis were performed, and structural equation modeling was performed in the AMOS-19 program to determine the effects of it on each other.
 The study results have also shown that religious perceptions have effective results on narcissism. We see that religious values command a person to be humble, modest, respectful, loving and respectful, caring, helpful, and avoiding arrogant behavior through their wealth, titles, and children, in short, with what they own, both in their life and society. It is clear that these rules and regulations of religion don’t tolerate narcissism, which are defined as pathological. When narcissistic traits appear in business life, it legitimizes a thought and behavioral mechanism that makes it appropriate to engage in unethical behavior for one's interests without regard. After examining the analysis results, we see that religious perceptions play a role in narcissistic behaviors.

Understanding narcissistic spending: The connections between narcissistic personality traits and conspicuous consumption

The present study explored potential factors that may mediate the relationship between narcissism and conspicuous consumption, as the underlying reasons for this connection remain uncertain. Specifically, we investigated the following variables as potential mediators of the links between narcissistic personality traits and conspicuous consumption: consumer need for uniqueness, materialism, approval seeking, material meaning, consumer sexual signaling, and need for social status. In a sample of 2,944 Israeli community members, our study revealed that extraverted, antagonistic, neurotic, and communal narcissism frequently exhibited positive indirect connections with conspicuous consumption through these mediating factors, with the most robust associations often being observed for antagonistic narcissism. However, a clear departure from this pattern became apparent when the anticipated mediation of the connections between narcissistic personality traits and conspicuous consumption via the need for social status did not unfold as predicted. In contrast, extraverted, antagonistic, and communal narcissism exhibited negative indirect associations with conspicuous consumption through the need for social status. Collectively, these findings indicate both commonalities and distinctions in how narcissistic personality traits are associated with conspicuous consumption via specific mediators. The discussion delves into the significance of these outcomes in shedding light on why conspicuous consumption holds allure for individuals with narcissistic tendencies.

Does narcissus prefer to be alone? Narcissistic personality features and the preference for solitude.

To examine the associations that narcissistic personality traits had with the preference for solitude. Preference for solitude may be impacted by various characteristics. Narcissism may be one such characteristic given its association with specific motivations for engagement with other individuals (e.g., status attainment). We examined whether the associations that narcissism had with the preference for solitude were moderated by perceived attainment of status or instability of status. Across three studies (N = 627/479/675), extraverted narcissism had the expected aversion to solitude. Antagonistic narcissism and neurotic narcissism did not have consistent associations with the preference for solitude across these studies, nor did the perceived attainment of status consistently moderate the links between narcissistic personality features and the preference for solitude. However, perceived instability of status moderated the associations that extraverted narcissism and antagonistic narcissism had with the preference for solitude. More specifically, the more stable status was perceived to be, the greater the aversion to solitude for those high in extraverted narcissism and the greater the preference for solitude for those high in antagonistic narcissism. This pattern of results suggests that the motivations underlying preferences for solitude differ depending on particular narcissistic traits that predict whether one is more concerned with maintaining, gaining, or losing status. These results build upon what is known about the connections that narcissism has with the preference for solitude.

Unpacking thep-factor. Associations Between Maladaptive Personality Traits and General Psychopathology in Female and Male Adolescents.

Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, psychological, and neural maturation that makes youth vulnerable to emerging psychopathology, highlighting the need for improved identification of psychopathology risk indicators. Recently, a higher-order latent psychopathology factor (p-factor) was identified that explains latent liability for psychopathology beyond internalizing and externalizing difficulties. However, recent proposals suggest reconceptualizing the p-factor model in terms ofimpairments in personality encompassing difficulties in both self-regulation (borderline features) and self-esteem (narcissistic features), but this remains untested. To address this, this study examined the p-factor structure and the contribution of borderline and narcissistic features using two cross-sectional data collections. In Study 1, 974 cisgender adolescents (63% assigned females at birth; age range: 13-19; Mage = 16.68,SD = 1.40) reported on internalizing and externalizing problems (YSR) to test via structural equation models (SEM) different theoretical models for adolescent psychopathology. In Study 2, 725 cisgender adolescents (64.5% assigned females at birth; age range: 13-19; Mage = 16.22,SD = 1.32) reported internalizing and externalizing problems (YSR), borderline personality features (BPFSC-11), and narcissistic personality traits (PNI), to explore, via SEM, thecontribution ofborderline and narcissistic traitsto the p-factor and accounting for gender differences.Results confirmed the utility of a bi-factor model in adolescence. Furthermore, findings highlighted the contribution of borderline features and narcissistic vulnerability to general psychopathology. The study provides the first evidence supporting a p-factor model reconceptualized in terms ofpersonality impairments encompassing difficulties in self-regulation and self-esteem in adolescents.

Audit partners’ gender and time variances of key audit matters

PurposeThis study aims to examine whether audit partners’ gender affects the year-to-year changes (year-to-year additions and drops) of key audit matters (KAMs) identified in the audit report. This study also examines whether female audit partners’ audit experiences, accounting education and narcissism reduce the difference in time variances of KAMs reporting between female and male audit partners. This study defines the year-to-year additions and drops of KAMs as the time variance of KAMs.Design/methodology/approachData of this study includes the audit reports of Australian Securities Exchange 300 companies for the period from 2017 to 2021. This study also applies the theory of female auditors’ preference for anchoring and availability heuristics. This study uses multivariate regression with robust standard errors clustered by the firms. This study also uses several robustness tests.FindingsThe findings suggest that female audit partners disclose fewer time variant KAMs in that they have a lower tendency both to add new KAMs and to drop old KAMs. Further analysis suggests that the differences between female and male audit partners decrease as the female audit partners’ experience increases or if the female audit partner possesses a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Female audit partners’ narcissism also reduces the gender gap in the time variances of KAMs.Practical implicationsThe fact that female audit partners report more stable KAMs implies that there are differences between female and male audit partners in the way audit risk assessments are conducted, audits are planned and professional judgement is applied by female and male audit partners.Social implicationsThe findings imply that female audit partners’ experience, accounting education and narcissistic personality can play a significant role in explaining the differences in audit outcomes produced by male and female audit partners.Originality/valueThis study is novel in showing that female audit partners report more stable and less time-variant KAMs. The findings of this study may inform audit firms and regulators that female audit partners’ experience, tertiary qualifications in accounting and narcissistic personality traits may be effective means of reducing the gender gap in auditing. The findings also imply that auditors’ observable and unobservable personality traits affect audit outcomes.

Examination of narcissistic personality traits of volleyball players according to some variables

This research is conducted to analyze the narcissistic personality traits of volleyball players in terms of certain variables. In the study, a personal data form prepared by the researcher to collect data related to participants' gender, age, league category, and national team status, and the 16-item Narcissistic Personality Inventory developed by Ames, Rose, and Anderson in 2005, and adapted to Turkish by Atay in 2009, is used. The research group consists of a total of 221 volleyball players, 111 female and 110 male. The scale and personal data form have been applied to the volleyball players who participated in the study using an online method through purposive sampling. The data obtained from the research have been analyzed using the SPSS.22 package program. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test for binary group comparisons, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for multiple group comparisons have been applied. Post-Hoc (Scheffe) tests have also been used to determine the direction of the difference between groups. A significance level of 0.05 is considered in interpreting the results. When the narcissistic personality trait scores of volleyball players are analyzed according to the age variable, any significant difference could not been observed. When the study data have been evaluated in terms of the gender variable, the statistical analysis has revealed that the average narcissistic personality levels of volleyball players do not differ according to the age variable. When the narcissistic personality traits of volleyball players have been examined according to the league category variable, a statistically significant difference has been found in the sub-dimension scores of superiority for volleyball players playing in the Efeler and Sultanlar Leagues compared to those playing in the 1st League. In the study, when the narcissistic personality traits of volleyball players have been examined according to the national team variable, it has been identified that the narcissistic personality scores of the national team players are higher than those who are not national team players.

Pathological narcissism and relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms: Exploring the role of vulnerable narcissism.

Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (ROCD) symptoms, which include obsessive preoccupation, doubts, and compulsive behaviors focusing on the suitability of the relationship and/or partner, have been receiving increasing clinical, theoretical, and empirical attention. This clinical variant of OCD is associated with significant functional, personal, and dyadic consequences. ROCD symptoms have also been linked to several cognitive vulnerability factors, such as maladaptive relationship catastrophization. However, little is known about the connection between ROCD symptoms and specific personality traits. In this study, we examine whether vulnerable narcissistic personality traits may constitute a general vulnerability factor for ROCD symptoms. Specifically, we assess whether partner value self-contingencies moderate the association between vulnerable narcissistic traits and obsessive preoccupation with a romantic partner's perceived flaws. A total of 310 individuals self-reporting ROCD symptoms completed questionnaires assessing narcissistic personality traits, ROCD symptoms and cognitions, and partner value self-contingencies. Vulnerable narcissistic traits were uniquely associated with ROCD symptoms over and above ROCD-related cognitions. Self-worth contingent on the partner's perceived value partially mediated the effect of vulnerable narcissistic traits on ROCD symptoms. Results supported the role of vulnerable narcissistic traits and domain-relevant self-vulnerabilities on obsessive preoccupation with romantic partners' perceived flaws. Further research is needed to explore the susceptibility of vulnerable individuals to the development and maintenance of ROCD symptoms.

Narcissistic dimensions and depressive symptoms in patients across mental disorders in cognitive behavioural therapy and in psychoanalytic interactional therapy in Germany: a prospective cohort study

Narcissistic personality traits have been theorised to negatively affect depressive symptoms, therapeutic alliance, and treatment outcome, even in the absence of narcissistic personality disorder. We aimed to examine how the dimensional narcissistic facets of admiration and rivalry affect depressive symptoms across treatment modalities in two transdiagnostic samples. We did a naturalistic, observational prospective cohort study in two independent adult samples in Germany: one sample pooled from an inpatient psychiatric clinic and an outpatient treatment service offering cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT), and one sample from an inpatient clinic providing psychoanalytic interactional therapy (PIT). Inpatients treated with CBT had an affective or psychotic disorder. For the other two sites, data from all service users were collected. We examined the effect of core narcissism and its facets admiration and rivalry, measured by Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire-short version, on depressive symptoms, measured by Beck's Depression Inventory and Patient Health Questionnaire-Depression Scale, at baseline and after treatment in patients treated with CBT and PIT. Primary analyses were regression models, predicting baseline and post-treatment depression severity from core narcissism and its facets. Mediation analysis was done in the outpatient CBT group for the effect of the therapeutic alliance on the association between narcissism and depression severity after treatment. The sample included 2371 patients (1423 [60·0%] female and 948 [40·0%] male; mean age 33·13 years [SD 13·19; range 18-81), with 517 inpatients and 1052 outpatients in the CBT group, and 802 inpatients in the PIT group. Ethnicity data were not collected. Mean treatment duration was 300 days (SD 319) for CBT and 67 days (SD 26) for PIT. Core narcissism did not predict depression severity before treatment in either group, but narcissistic rivalry was associated with higher depressive symptom load at baseline (β 2·47 [95% CI 1·78 to 3·12] for CBT and 1·05 [0·54 to 1·55] for PIT) and narcissistic admiration showed the opposite effect (-2·02 [-2·62 to -1·41] for CBT and -0·64 [-1·11 to -0·17] for PIT). Poorer treatment response was predicted by core narcissism (β 0·79 [0·10 to 1·47]) and narcissistic rivalry (0·89 [0·19 to 1·58]) in CBT, whereas admiration showed no effect. No effect of narcissism on treatment outcome was discernible in PIT. Therapeutic alliance mediated the effect of narcissism on post-treatment depression severity in the outpatient CBT sample. As narcissism affects depression severity before and after treatment with CBT across psychiatric disorders, even in the absence of narcissistic personality disorder, the inclusion of dimensional assessments of narcissism should be considered in future research and clinical routines. The relevance of the therapeutic alliance and therapeutic strategy could be used to guide treatment approaches. IZKF Münster. For the German translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Who Wants to (Digitally) Live Forever? The Connections That Narcissism Has with Motives for Digital Immortality and the Desire for Digital Avatars.

We examined the role that death anxiety (for self and others) and motivation for digital immortality played in the associations that narcissistic personality traits had with the desire for digital avatars (of self and others) in a sample of Israeli community members (N = 1041). We distinguished between four forms of narcissism: extraverted narcissism (characterized by assertive self-enhancement), antagonistic narcissism (characterized by defensiveness and hostility), neurotic narcissism (characterized by emotional distress), and communal narcissism (characterized by attempts to emphasize superiority over others by exaggerating communal characteristics such as being extraordinarily helpful). Our sequential parallel mediation analyses showed that narcissistic personality traits were associated with fear of death and the desire for symbolic immortality (having a digital avatar for self and others), with mainly indirect associations via fear of death and the motivation for eternal life and to be there for others. Discussion is focused on the role that fear of death and specific "defensive control" motives for having digital avatars (e.g., motivation for eternal life and to be there for others) may play in the desire for digital immortality reported by individuals with narcissistic personality traits.

Auditors' narcissism and their professional skepticism: evidence from Iran

PurposeThis study aims to examine the association between Iranian auditors' narcissism and the auditors' professional skepticism.Design/methodology/approachThe authors' sample is comprised of 355 professional auditors working in the private and public sectors in Iranian firms in 2022. The authors use cross-sectional multivariate regression as the main methodology, along with the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.FindingsThe authors find that a higher level of narcissism leads to a greater level of professional skepticism among auditors, which ultimately can enhance the quality of the audit process. The results provided via the robustness tests also supported this finding.Originality/valueThe authors' findings further the understanding of the role of narcissistic personality traits in improving professional skepticism among auditors of an Islamic and emerging country. In addition, audit firms and audit partners can also consider the findings of this study and enhance the effectiveness of audit processes by assigning appropriate employees with certain personalities to specific tasks.

Predicting narcissistic personality traits from brain and psychological features: A supervised machine learning approach

ABSTRACTNarcissism is a multifaceted construct often linked to pathological conditions whose neural correlates are still poorly understood. Previous studies have reported inconsistent findings related to the neural underpinnings of narcissism, probably due to methodological limitations such as the low number of participants or the use of mass univariate methods. The present study aimed to overcome the previous methodological limitations and to build a predictive model of narcissistic traits based on neural and psychological features. In this respect, two machine learning-based methods (Kernel Ridge Regression and Support Vector Regression) were used to predict narcissistic traits from brain structural organization and from other relevant normal and abnormal personality features. Results showed that a circuit including the lateral and middle frontal gyri, the angular gyrus, Rolandic operculum, and Heschl’s gyrus successfully predicted narcissistic personality traits (p < 0.003). Moreover, narcissistic traits were predicted by normal (openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness) and abnormal (borderline, antisocial, insecure, addicted, negativistic, machiavellianism) personality traits. This study is the first to predict narcissistic personality traits via a supervised machine learning approach. As such, these results may expand the possibility of deriving personality traits from neural and psychological features.

ENVIRONMENTS OF IMMEDIATE STRATEGIES, LACK OF CONFIDENCE, AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH DARK TRIAD PERSONALITY TRAITS

This narrative review deals with the correlation between personal, professional, and institutional lack of confidence, based on the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) study. This correlation is associated with hostile environments that require immediate strategies, studied in the life course theory. The main replicating agents of these effects are based on social relationships involving individuals or groups exhibiting narcissistic, Machiavellian, and psychopathic personality traits, described in numerous scientific articles as Dark Triad personality traits. Such a condition indicates the uncertainty that the laws and justice will be fulfilled equally for all if there is any attempt of deceit or non-compliance with regulations. Under these circumstances, development is compromised, opportunities become scarce, education, health, housing, security, and the entire personal and professional environment becomes unstable, insecure, and unfair. The permanent effects of a continuum of immediate responses result in the absence of punishment and lessening actions of reprimand for justice, turning this environment fertile for individuals with dishonest, selfish, manipulative, and low empathy personalities, forming a cycle of permanent cause and effect.

DETERMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ALEXITIMIC PERSONALITY FEATURES AND NARSISTIC PERSONALITY FEATURES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS SCHOOL STUDENTS (Mardin Province Example)

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between alexithymic personality traits and narcissistic personality traits of students studying at Mardin Artuklu University School of Physical Education and Sports. In the study, Toronto Alexithymia Short Version (TAS-20) and narcissistic personality inventory were used as data collection tools. The relational model, which is included in the quantitative research method, was used in the research. The sample of the study consists of 154 students studying at Mardin Artuklu University School of Physical Education and Sports. SPSS 20 program was used in the analysis of the data obtained. In the analysis of the obtained data, firstly homogeneity and normality distribution were examined. For this, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) and Shapiro Wilks tests were used. After this review, it was decided to use the parametric test method in the analysis of the data. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used in the analysis of the data. At the end of the correlation analysis, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between the students' narcissistic personality levels and total alexithymia level.

Narcissistic susceptibility to conspiracy beliefs exaggerated by education, reduced by cognitive reflection.

Conspiracy theories are alternate viewpoints of provided explanations; sensational stories revolving around small groups exerting control for nefarious reasons. Recent events and research have outlined myriad negative social and personal outcomes for those who endorse them. Prior research suggests several predictors of susceptibility to conspiracy theories, including narcissistic personality traits (grandiosity, need for uniqueness), cognitive processes (critical thinking, confirmation bias) and lack of education. The aim of the current paper was to explore how facets of narcissism predict susceptibility to conspiracy theories. It was expected that narcissism would be a positive predictor, but education and cognitive reflection would act as protective factors, reducing this effect. Study one utilized an international survey (N = 323) to investigate the role of education as a protective tool in the relationship between narcissistic traits and conspiratorial beliefs. Support was found for the hypotheses that individuals with higher levels of grandiosity, vulnerable narcissism, a strive for uniqueness, and a strive for supremacy predicted higher levels of conspiracy endorsement. Higher education and STEM education were associated with lower levels of conspiracy endorsement, however all significant moderations indicated that for narcissistic individuals, education increased their likelihood of adopting conspiracy beliefs, contrary to expectation. To investigate this further, study two analyzed a large-scale publicly available dataset (N = 51,404) to assess the relationship between narcissism, critical thinking skills (specifically cognitive reflection) and conspiracy beliefs pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. As expected, analysis found narcissism and poor cognitive reflection (intuitive thinking) as predictors of conspiracy beliefs. Higher levels of cognitive reflection were found to be protective, moderating and reducing the impact of narcissism on endorsement of conspiracy theories. The findings suggest that cognitive reflection, but not education protect against narcissistic conspiracy belief. Moreover, that cognitive reflection may have a lessened effect against conspiracy theories adopted for social or ideological reasons. These findings improve understanding of both the role and limitations of education/critical thinking skills as protective factors against conspiracy theory endorsement.