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Cited by 129Personality Traits and PsychologyPersonality Disorders and PsychopathologyMental Health Research Topics

The effect of pathological narcissism on interpersonal and affective processes in social interactions.

Open access
Wright, Aidan G. C., Stepp, Stephanie D., Scott, Lori N., Hallquist, Michael N., Beeney, Joseph E., Lazarus, Sophie A., Pilkonis, Paul A.·2017·Journal of Abnormal Psychology
DOI 10.1037/abn0000286PMC PMC5679127
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Abstract

Narcissism has significant interpersonal costs, yet little research has examined behavioral and affective patterns characteristic of narcissism in naturalistic settings. Here we studied the effect of narcissistic features on the dynamic processes of interpersonal behavior and affect in daily life. We used interpersonal theory to generate transactional models of social interaction (i.e., linkages among perceptions of others' behavior, affect, and one's own behavior) predicted to be characteristic of narcissism. Psychiatric outpatients (N = 102) completed clinical interviews and a 21-day ecological momentary assessment protocol using smartphones. After social interactions (N = 5,781), participants reported on perceptions of their interaction partner's behavior (scored along the dimensions of dominant-submissive and affiliative-quarrelsome), their own affect, and their own behavior. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to examine dynamic links among behavior and affect across interactions, and the role of narcissism in moderating these links. Results showed that perceptions of others' dominance did not predict dominant behavior, but did predict quarrelsome behavior, and this link was potentiated by narcissism. Furthermore, the link between others' dominance and one's own quarrelsome behavior was mediated by negative affect. Moderated mediation was also found: Narcissism amplified the link between ratings of others' dominance and one's own quarrelsomeness and negative affect. Narcissism did not moderate the link between other dominance and own dominance, nor the link between other affiliation and own affiliation. These results suggest that narcissism is associated with specific interpersonal and affective processes, such that sensitivity to others' dominance triggers antagonistic behavior in daily life. (PsycINFO Database Record

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In psychiatric outpatients, perceptions of others’ dominance predicted quarrelsome behavior but not dominant behavior, and negative affect mediated the dominance-to-quarrelsomeness link. Pathological narcissism amplified these within-person links, suggesting narcissism involves sensitivity to others’ dominance that triggers negative affect and antagonistic behavior in daily life.

Key findings

  • Perceptions of others’ dominance did not predict own dominant behavior at within-person level (`ci = 0.034, SE = 0.028, p = .229`) or between-person level (`β = 0.154, SE = 0.155, p = .321`).
  • Perceptions of others’ dominance significantly predicted own quarrelsomeness within-person (`ci = −0.139, SE = 0.038, p < .001`) and positively at between-person level (`β = 0.486, SE = 0.196, p = .013`).
  • Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) features amplified the link between perceived dominance and own quarrelsomeness (`βc.NPD = −0.058, SE = 0.020, p = .004`), and negative affect mediated the dominance-to-quarrelsomeness link (`βab = −0.092, SE = 0.020, p < .004`).
  • In moderated mediation, NPD amplified perceived dominance-to-negative-affect (`βa.NPD = 0.291, SE = 0.095, p = .002`) and negative-affect-to-affiliative-behavior paths (`βb.NPD = −0.006, SE = 0.003, p = .044`); the conditional indirect effect was significant at the mean, 1 SD above, and 2 SDs above the mean, but not at zero NPD features. NPD did not moderate other dominance-to-own dominance or other affiliation-to-own affiliation.

Methods

  • Psychiatric outpatients (`N = 102`; 76.5% female; mean age 29.74, `SD = 5.87`; one third met BPD threshold) completed clinical interviews and a 21-day ecological momentary assessment/event-contingent recording protocol via smartphones, reporting after interpersonal interactions lasting at least 10 minutes (`N = 5,781` interactions).
  • NPD features were operationalized as dimensional sum of DSM-IV NPD criterion scores from the SIDP-IV; other PD features, sex, age, and time were covariates. Momentary measures included Social Behavior Inventory ratings of self and partner dominance/affiliation and PANAS-X negative affect scales.
  • Multilevel structural equation modeling in Mplus 8.0 with robust maximum likelihood tested within-person and between-person paths, mediation by negative affect, and NPD moderation of those paths.

Limitations

  • The paper states the sample was drawn from a study designed primarily to study BPD, one third met BPD threshold, and patients may be more prone to dysregulation than other samples; it calls for replication in nonclinical samples.
  • The paper notes the sample had more women than men and low rates meeting NPD diagnostic cutoff (7%), though dimensional NPD was present in over half; it also notes ongoing debate about defining and measuring narcissism and that DSM criteria emphasize grandiosity while minimizing vulnerability.
  • The paper states it assessed models based on the individual’s perceptions as the initial predictor and did not have objective assessments of the situation; it calls for designs using passive recording technology.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1037/abn0000286

Cites

43 of 43 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 58 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    NPD features amplified the negative link between negative affect and affiliative behavior.

    “as well as the negative link between NA and affiliative behavior (βb.NPD = −0.006, SE = 0.003, p = 0.044).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Negative affect significantly negatively predicted affiliative behavior (path bi).

    “and NA significantly negatively predicted affiliative behavior (path bi).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Perceptions of others' dominance significantly predicted negative affect (path ai).

    “We found that perceptions of others’ dominance significantly predicted NA (path ai)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    There was no moderation effect of any predictor on the within-person path from perceptions of dominance to own dominance.

    “When perceptions of dominance predicted own dominance, we found no moderation effect of any of the predictors”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Other PD features had a significant direct effect on between-person differences in negative affect.

    “although they did have a significant direct effect on between-person differences in NA (βNA.OPD = 0.057, SE = 0.021, p = 0.006)”
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  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 37

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    Findingown data

    The strength of the within-person ci path varied significantly across individuals, as do all other within-person paths reported in the following models.

    “However, we found the strength of the within-person ci path varied significantly across individuals, as do all other within-person paths reported in the following models.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingown data

    Individuals higher in NPD features responded to perceptions of other's dominance with higher negative affectivity and higher quarrelsomeness.

    “We found that individuals higher in NPD features responded to perceptions of other’s dominance with higher negative affectivity, and higher quarrelsomeness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Narcissism significantly moderated the link between perceptions of dominance and affect (a path) for anxiety and anger, but not the link between affect and behavior (b path).

    “narcissism significantly moderated the link between perceptions of dominance and affect (a path) for anxiety and anger, but not the link between affect and behavior (b path)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For shame, the opposite pattern was true: narcissism did not moderate the a path but did moderate the b path.

    “whereas for shame the opposite was true.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Miskewicz and colleagues (2015) found that the link between stressors and momentary borderline PD symptoms was potentiated by borderline diagnostic status.

    “For example, Miskewicz and colleagues (2015) adopted a contingency-oriented approach to studying momentary borderline PD symptoms, finding that (a) stressors were strong predictors of momentary fluctuations in symptoms, and (b) this link was potentiated by borderline diagnostic status.”
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    • cites Miskewicz and colleagues (2015)

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    Interpretationreasoning

    Personality reflects the characteristic patterning of affective and behavioral responses made to internal and external social cues.

    “It follows, that personality reflects the characteristic patterning of the affective and behavioral responses made to internal (i.e., mental construal) and external (i.e., proximal behavior of others) social cues.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Premisecitation

    Interpersonal theory argues that an individual's personality is reflected in consistent dynamic patterns of perceptual, behavioral, and affective processes that arise in interpersonal situations.

    “Specifically, interpersonal theory argues that an individual’s personality is reflected in consistent dynamic patterns of perceptual, behavioral, and affective processes that arise in interpersonal situations (Kiesler, 1996).”
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    • cites Kiesler, 1996

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    Premisecitation

    The NPD criteria emphasize grandiose narcissistic features.

    “The NPD criteria emphasize grandiose narcissistic features (Cain, Pincus, & Ansell, 2008; Miller & Campbell, 2010), but also show modest to moderate associations with distress and affective dysregulation (Miller & Campbell, 2008; Wright et al., 2013).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Cain, Pincus, & Ansell, 2008

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    • cites Miller & Campbell, 2010

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    Premisecitation

    Miskewicz and colleagues (2015) found that stressors were strong predictors of momentary fluctuations in borderline PD symptoms.

    “For example, Miskewicz and colleagues (2015) adopted a contingency-oriented approach to studying momentary borderline PD symptoms, finding that (a) stressors were strong predictors of momentary fluctuations in symptoms, and (b) this link was potentiated by borderline diagnostic status.”
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    • cites Miskewicz and colleagues (2015)

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    Premisecitation

    Dispositional traits reflect, in part, individual differences in the linkages in the input→intermediary→output chain.

    “In this process-based description of personality, dispositional traits reflect, in part, individual differences in the linkages in the chain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Fleeson & Jayawickreme, 2015

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    • cites Wright, 2014

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    Interpretationcitation

    Taken together, these studies provide strong evidence that affective dysregulation and interpersonal hostility in borderline PD reflect contextualized dynamic processes.

    “Taken together, these studies provide strong evidence that affective dysregulation and interpersonal hostility in borderline PD reflect contextualized dynamic processes, and they have important implications for potential maintenance mechanisms and points of intervention.”
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    Premisecitation

    From the perspective of CIIT, key inputs in an interpersonal situation include perceptions of the partner's behaviors, important intermediaries include evoked affects, and outputs include the individual's own behavior.

    “From the perspective of CIIT, the key inputs in an interpersonal situation include an individual’s perceptions of the partner’s behaviors, important intermediaries include evoked affects, and outputs include the individual’s own behavior (Hopwood, Pincus, & Wright, in press).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hopwood, Pincus, & Wright, in press

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    Premisecitation

    Roche et al. (2013) found some evidence that the link between individuals' perceptions of others' behaviors and their own dominance was moderated by narcissistic features.

    “The authors found some evidence that the link between individuals’ perceptions of others’ behaviors and their own dominance was moderated by narcissistic features.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Roche et al., 2013

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    Premisecitation

    Narcissism is a complex construct whose definition is actively under debate.

    “Narcissism is a complex construct whose definition is actively under debate (e.g., Wright, 2016; Miller, Lynam, & Campbell, 2016).”
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    • cites Wright, 2016

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    • cites Miller, Lynam, & Campbell, 2016

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    Premisecitation

    Observational and psychometric research established the primary dimensions of interpersonal functioning as agency and communion, instantiated in the interpersonal circumplex structural model.

    “Observational (e.g., Leary, 1957) and psychometric research (e.g., Wiggins, 1991) established the primary dimensions of interpersonal functioning as agency (e.g., dominant vs. submissive behavior) and communion (e.g., affiliative vs. quarrelsome behavior), instantiated in the interpersonal circumplex structural model.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Leary, 1957

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    • cites Wiggins, 1991

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    Premisecitation

    In Roche et al. (2013), the moderation effect was modest and emerged only in the context of a four-way interaction.

    “However, this effect was modest and emerged only in the context of a four-way interaction.”
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    • cites Roche et al., 2013

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    Premisecitation

    In the classic Bushman and Baumeister (1998) design, undergraduate students wrote essays that were randomly criticized or praised by a non-existent partner.

    “In the classic design (Bushman & Baumeister, 1998), undergraduate students wrote essays that were randomly criticized or praised by a non-existent partner.”
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    • cites Bushman & Baumeister, 1998

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    Study design and conductown data

    Between- and within-person reliabilities for dominance were .58/.81 and for affiliation were .68/.84.

    “Average coefficients across daily cycles were as follows: dominance (ωBETWEEN/ωWITHIN)=.58/.81; affiliation=.68/.84.”
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    Study design and conductreasoning

    To ensure compliance with study procedures, the application was designed to enable access to data in real-time.

    “To ensure compliance with study procedures, the application was designed to enable access to data in real-time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The ICC for perceptions of dominance was .16, and for perceptions of affiliation was .21.

    “The ICC for perceptions of dominance was .16, and for perceptions of affiliation was .21.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Study design and conductown data

    Agreement was excellent for the sum of all remaining PD features (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97).

    “Agreement was good for NPD features (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.78), and was excellent for the sum of all remaining PD features (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Study design and conductreasoning

    Study staff monitored compliance daily and called participants if they did not complete at least one interpersonal interactions record per day.

    “This feature allowed study staff to monitor compliance daily. If a participant did not complete at least one interpersonal interactions record per day, study staff called the participant and assessed whether or not any interpersonal interactions had occurred that day and, if necessary, problem-solved technical and/or motivational issues.”
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    Study design and conductnone given

    Six patients enrolled in the study were not included in these analyses due to lack of EMA data; two became ineligible because their relationships ended, and four never provided any EMA responses.

    “In total, six patients enrolled in the study were not included in these analyses due to lack of EMA data; two became ineligible because their relationships ended, and four never provided any EMA responses.”
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    Study design and conductown data

    Rates of compliance were generally good, averaging around 3 interactions per day (M = 57.6, SD = 32.4).

    “Rates of compliance were generally good, averaging around 3 interactions per day (M = 57.6, SD = 32.4).”
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    Study design and conductown data

    Reliability coefficients for affect scales were NA .97/.91, anxiety/fear .97/.89, anger/hostility .95/.93, shame/guilt .98/.81, and depression/sadness .97/.91.

    “Reliability coefficients were as follows: NA (ωBETWEEN/ωWITHIN)=.97/.91; anxiety/fear=.97/.89, anger/hostility=.95/.93, shame/guilt=.98/.81, depression/sadness=.97/.91.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    The provoked aggression literature speaks to whether behaviors are dynamic and contextual, but certain key features of the interpersonal situation have not been investigated.

    “The provoked aggression literature speaks to this issue, but certain key features of the interpersonal situation have not been investigated.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Interpretationown data

    These results suggest that narcissism is associated with specific interpersonal and affective processes, such that sensitivity to others' dominance triggers antagonistic behavior in daily life.

    “These results suggest that narcissism is associated with specific interpersonal and affective processes, such that sensitivity to others’ dominance triggers antagonistic behavior in daily life.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    Dispositional research provides information about general patterns of behavior, but not whether certain behaviors are dynamic and contextual.

    “For instance, dispositional research provides information about general patterns of behavior, but not whether certain behaviors are dynamic and contextual.”
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  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Some have argued that hostility, as it relates to narcissism, is reactive or self-regulatory.

    “However, some have argued that hostility, as it relates to narcissism, is reactive or self-regulatory (Ronningstam, 2009; Morf et al., 2011), and a large body of research has investigated “provoked” hostility in narcissism (see e.g., Rassmusen, 2016 for a meta-analytic review).”
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    • cites Morf et al., 2011

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    Premisecitation

    A large body of research has investigated "provoked" hostility in narcissism.

    “However, some have argued that hostility, as it relates to narcissism, is reactive or self-regulatory (Ronningstam, 2009; Morf et al., 2011), and a large body of research has investigated “provoked” hostility in narcissism (see e.g., Rassmusen, 2016 for a meta-analytic review).”
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    • cites Rassmusen, 2016

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    Study design and conductown data

    Reliability coefficients for perceptions of dominance were .34/.33 and for affiliation were .62/.52.

    “Reliability coefficients were: dominance (ωBETWEEN/ωWITHIN)= .34/.33; affiliation=.62/.52.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    ICCs for affect scales were NA = .34, anxiety/fear = .38, anger/hostility = .23, shame/guilt = .29, and depression/sadness = .27.

    “ICCs for each scale were NA = .34, anxiety/fear = .38, anger/hostility = .23, shame/guilt = .29, depression/sadness = .27.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Study design and conductown data

    Results of all reported models did not differ if participants with low numbers of reported interactions (≤ 10) were excluded from the sample when estimating models.

    “Results of all reported models did not differ if participants with low numbers of reported interactions (≤ 10) were excluded from the sample when estimating models.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Study design and conductreasoning

    The sum of the remaining PD features was included as a covariate to adjust for general PD in the models and to isolate the specific effects of narcissism.

    “Therefore, the sum of the remaining PD features was included as a covariate to adjust for general PD in our models and to isolate the specific effects of narcissism.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Study design and conductreasoning

    The interest is on mediation at Level 1 because the focus of interpersonal theory is on the immediate situation and between-person mediation without temporal precedence is of limited conceptual importance.

    “Our interest is on mediation at Level 1, because the focus of interpersonal theory is on the immediate situation (i.e., momentary behavior) and between-person mediation without temporal precedence is of limited conceptual importance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisereasoning

    It is not clear which appraised features of the situation constitute the provocation.

    “Therefore, it is not clear which appraised features of the situation constitute the provocation.”
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    Premisecitation

    Theory suggests that expressed hostility and aggression are in the service of regulating the self, interpersonal field, and affect.

    “Theory also suggests that the expressed hostility/aggression are in the service of regulating the self, interpersonal field, and affect (Hopwood, Wright, Ansell, & Pincus, 2013; Wright, Hopwood, & Simms, 2015).”
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    • cites Hopwood, Wright, Ansell, & Pincus, 2013

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    • cites Wright, Hopwood, & Simms, 2015

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    Study design and conductown data

    The proportion of between-person variance for the dominance dimension was .09, and for the affiliation dimension was .16.

    “The proportion of between-person variance, calculated using the intraclass correlation (ICC = σ2BETWEEN/(σ2BETWEEN + σ2WITHIN)), for the dominance dimension was .09, and for the affiliation dimension was .16.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Premisecitation

    Sharp and colleagues (2015) found that NPD features form a specific factor distinct from general PD features.

    “However, Sharp and colleagues (2015) found that NPD features form a specific factor distinct from general PD features.”
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    • cites Sharp and colleagues (2015)

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    Interpretationreasoning

    The moderate correlation between NPD features and other PD features is expected given the importance of general impairments described in theoretical formulations of PD and is consistent with recent empirical work.

    “This result is expected, given the importance of general impairments described in theoretical formulations of PD, and it is consistent with recent empirical work (e.g., Hopwood et al., 2011).”
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    • cites Hopwood et al., 2011

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    Premisecitation

    Other perspectives prioritize objective assessments of the situation, which the study did not have at its disposal.

    “Other perspectives prioritize objective assessments of the situation (Rauthmann et al., 2015), which we did not have at our disposal.”
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    • cites Rauthmann et al., 2015

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    Interpretationown data

    Behaving in a quarrelsome manner when experiencing anger or anxiety is a general response, and narcissism does not lead to greater behavioral reactivity in these instances.

    “However, behaving in a quarrelsome manner when experiencing anger or anxiety is a general response, and narcissism does not lead to greater behavioral reactivity in these instances.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation

    Interpersonal theory emphasizes the situation as construed by the individuals participating in it.

    “as interpersonal theory emphasizes the situation as construed by the individuals participating in it (Kiesler, 1996).”
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    • cites Kiesler, 1996

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    Interpretationown data

    Perceptions of dominance result similarly in quarrelsomeness and this may be due to a pathway through shame or through feelings of anger, anxiety, or depression.

    “our results suggest that perceptions of dominance result similarly in quarrelsomeness and that this may be due to a pathway through shame or through feelings of anger, anxiety, or depression.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Under specific circumstances, individuals high in narcissism will become dysregulated, but not necessarily exhibit chronic dysregulation in the absence of relevant triggers.

    “Our results align with this understanding of narcissistic vulnerability, and suggest that under specific circumstances individuals high in narcissism will become dysregulated, but not necessarily that they will exhibit chronic dysregulation in the absence of relevant triggers.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Interpretationown data

    The effects were specific: the same effects did not hold for perceptions of others' affiliative behavior, did not apply to antisocial features, and showed some specificity with regard to the individual affects considered.

    “We also showed that these effects were specific, i.e., that the same effects did not hold for perceptions of others’ affiliative behavior, did not apply to antisocial features, and showed some specificity with regard to the individual affects considered.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Interpretationown data

    These results clarify prior work that has not distinguished between perceived dominance and affiliation in the interaction partner.

    “These results clarify prior work that has not distinguished between perceived dominance and affiliation in the interaction partner.”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Individuals high in narcissism are more likely to experience affective dysregulation when confronted with others' dominance, and in turn are more likely to be antagonistic when experiencing negative affect.

    “Thus, individuals high in narcissism are more likely to experience affective dysregulations when confronted with others’ dominance, and in turn they are more likely to be antagonistic when experiencing negative affect.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Study design and conductnone given

    The sample had more women than men.

    “the sample had more women than men”
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    Interpretationreasoning

    Antagonistic behavior and aggression may be negatively reinforcing, positively reinforcing, or both, increasing the likelihood of the behavior despite negative interpersonal consequences.

    “As such, antagonistic behavior and aggression may be negatively reinforcing (remove stimulus), positively reinforcing (gratifying to punish other), or both, increasing the likelihood of the behavior despite negative interpersonal consequences.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Study design and conductown data

    There were relatively low rates of individuals meeting the NPD diagnostic cutoff (7%), although dimensional NPD was present in over half of the sample.

    “there were relatively low rates of individuals meeting the NPD diagnostic cutoff (7%), although dimensional NPD was present in over half of the sample.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Narcissism leads to greater anger and anxiety reactivity when confronted with others' dominance, and greater behavioral reactivity when one experiences shame and depression.

    “What this suggests is that narcissism leads to greater anger and anxiety reactivity when one is confronted with others’ dominance, and greater behavioral reactivity when one experiences shame and depression.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Interpretationown data

    There are triggers of dysregulation and maladaptive behaviors in narcissistic individuals, but these may be unique to narcissism as opposed to processes broadly shared across all personality pathology.

    “Taken together, we interpret these findings as suggesting that there are triggers of dysregulation and maladaptive behaviors in narcissistic individuals, but these may be unique to narcissism as opposed to those processes that are broadly shared across all personality pathology.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Study design and conductnone given

    The sample consisted of psychiatric outpatients, in contrast to the majority of published narcissism research which has relied on undergraduate populations.

    “the sample consisted of psychiatric outpatients in contrast to the majority of published narcissism research which has relied on assessment in undergraduate populations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Study design and conductnone given

    These data were drawn from a study designed primarily to study BPD, a third of the sample met diagnostic threshold for BPD, and others had subthreshold borderline pathology.

    “these data were drawn from a study designed primarily to study BPD, a third of the sample met diagnostic threshold for BPD, and others had subthreshold borderline pathology.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Premisecitation

    Laboratory findings demonstrate that narcissism predicts reactive aggression in response to threatened egotism.

    “We based our study predictions, in part, on the laboratory findings demonstrating that narcissism predicts reactive aggression in response to threatened egotism (e.g., Bushman & Baumeister, 1998; Thomaes et al., 2008).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Bushman & Baumeister, 1998

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Thomaes et al., 2008

      Not checked in the free run.

56 of 56

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The direction and strength of within-person effects differ between individuals.

    “The direction and strength of within-person effects are presumed to differ between individuals, and therefore traditional between-person variables (e.g., narcissistic features) were tested as moderators of individual differences in those effects.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The outputs of a given sequence can serve as inputs in the next iteration of the cycle.

    “Moreover, the outputs of a given sequence can serve as inputs in the next iteration of the cycle.”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • Pathological narcissism has been understood as a characterological way of understanding the self and others in which feelings of vulnerability are defended against through grandiosity, and threats to grandiosity trigger dysregulating and disintegrating feelings of vulnerability.

    “As such, pathological narcissism has been understood as a characterological way of understanding the self and others in which feelings of vulnerability are defended against through grandiosity [56], and threats to grandiosity trigger dysregulating and disintegrating feelings of vulnerability [53].”

    From Living with pathological narcissism: a qualitative study (2020) · cites this paper as [53]

    Split into 2 atoms — 0 confirmed, 2 partially supported, 0 disputed, 0 misattributed, 0 unverifiable. Expand the claim to see per-atom verdicts.

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Grandiose narcissism is associated with the triad of admiration-seeking, rivalry, and retaliation and a propensity to act in a quarrelsome manner when others are seen as dominant.

    “Grandiose narcissism is associated with the triad of admiration-seeking, rivalry, and retaliation (43, 44) and a propensity to act in a quarrelsome manner when others are seen as dominant (45).”

    From Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Progress in Understanding and Treatment (2022) · cites this paper as [45]

  • These aspects of narcissism have also been documented within published literature.

    “These aspects of narcissism have also been documented within published literature [12, 27, 53, 54].”

    From Living with pathological narcissism: a qualitative study (2020) · cites this paper as [53]

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 18

  1. Carson RC Anchin JC Kiesler DJ 1982 Self-fulfilling prophecy, maladaptive behavior, and psychotherapy Handbook of interpersonal psychotherapy 64 77 New York, NY Pergamon Press
  2. Gurtman MB Construct validity of interpersonal personality measures: The interpersonal circumplex as a nomological net 1992 Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 63 1 105 118
  3. Hopwood CJ Wright AGC Pincus AL Samuel D Lynam D 2017 The interpersonal situation: Integrating clinical assessment, formulation, and intervention Using basic personality research to inform the personality disorders New York Oxford
  4. Kiesler DJ 1996 Contemporary interpersonal theory and research: Personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy New York City, NY John Wiley & Sons
  5. Kohut H Wolf E 1978 The disorders of the self and their treatment: An outline International Journal of Psychoanalysis 59 413 425
  6. Leary T 1957 Interpersonal diagnosis of personality New York, NY Ronald Press
  7. Millon T 1996 Disorders of personality: DSM-IV and beyond New York Wiley
  8. Miskewicz K Fleeson W Arnold EM Law MK Mneimne M Furr RM 2015 A contingency-oriented approach to understanding borderline personality disorder: Situational triggers and symptoms Journal of personality disorders 29 4 486 502 26200848 PMC4511961
  9. Morf CC Torchetti L Schürch E Campbell WK Miller JD 2011 Narcissism from the perspective of the dynamic self-regulatory processing model The handbook of narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder: Theoretical approaches, empirical findings, and treatment 56 70 New York, NY Wiley
  10. Moskowitz DS Cross-situational generality and the interpersonal circumplex 1994 Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 66 5 921 933
  11. Paulhus DL Williams KM 2002 The dark triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy Journal of Research in Personality 36 556 563
  12. Pfohl B Blum N Zimmerman M 1997 Structured Interview for DSMIV Personality Washington, DC American Psychiatric Press
  13. Pilkonis PA Kim Y Proietti JM Barkham M 1996 Scales for personality disorders developed from the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Journal of Personality Disorders 10 4 355 369
  14. Pincus AL Ansell EB Suls J Tennen H 2013 Interpersonal theory of personality Handbook of psychology Vol. 5: Personality and social psychology 2nd 141 159 Hoboken, NJ Wiley
  15. Pincus AL Wiggins JS 1990 Interpersonal problems and conceptions of personality disorders Journal of Personality Disorders 4 342 352
  16. Rauthmann JF Sherman RA Funder DC 2015 Principles of situation research: Towards a better understanding of psychological situations European Journal of Personality 29 3 363 381
  17. Ronningstam E 2009 Narcissistic personality disorder: Facing DSM-V Psychiatric Annals 39 3 111 121
  18. Wiggins JS Cicchetti D Grove WM 1991 Agency and communion as conceptual coordinates for the understanding and measurement of interpersonal behavior Thinking clearly about psychology: Essays in honor of Paul E. Meehl, Vol. 2: Personality and psychopathology 89 113 Minneapolis, MN University of Minnesota Press

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Related

Authors
Wright, A. G. C., Stepp, S. D., Scott, L. N., Hallquist, M. N., Beeney, J. E., Lazarus, S. A., & Pilkonis, P. A.
Affiliations
  • University of Pittsburgh (US)
  • Pennsylvania State University (US)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2017-10
Volume
126
Issue
7
Pages
898-910
ISSN
  • 0021-843X (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1846
DOI
10.1037/abn0000286
PMC
PMC5679127
OpenAlex
W2767488203
Cited by
129
References
43
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 4
FWCI
14.21
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of Abnormal Psychology (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH056888, L30 MH101760, K01 MH109859, K01 MH101289, K01 MH097091)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Disorders and Psychopathology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Mental Health Research Topics
Keywords
pathological narcissism, narcissistic personality disorder, interpersonal behavior, emotional processing, social interaction, perceived dominance, affiliative behavior, negative affect, moderated mediation, psychiatric outpatients, ecological momentary assessment
MeSH terms
Adult, Affect, Female, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Models, Psychological, Personality Disorders, Social Dominance, Social Perception

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