The effects of relationship threat and narcissism on emotional responses and partner perceptions

Abstract

This study examined if grandiose narcissism moderated effects of romantic relationship threat on emotional reactions and partner perceptions. 297 partnered individuals completed an online experiment where they recalled a relationship threat or described their daily activities (control condition). High narcissism was associated with greater anger in the threat, but not the control condition. Participants in the threat condition reported more anxiety and sadness, but these effects were not moderated by narcissism. The manipulation did not affect partner perception ratings. However, qualitative analysis showed that narcissism was associated with expressing more negativity toward the partner in written descriptions of relationship threat.