An examination of the relationship between vulnerable and grandiose narcissism in married couples and its effect on marital adjustment: An APIM model

This study examined the effects of vulnerable and grandiose narcissism on the partner's narcissism level and marital adjustment among married couples. The primary aim was to investigate the relationship between one partner's vulnerable narcissism and the other partner's grandiose narcissism, as well as the impact of narcissism subdimensions on marital adjustment, in couples who have been married for at least one year. The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) with a mixed model approach was employed to analyze these effects. The sample consisted of 57 married couples (N = 114), aged between 20 and 65, who had been married for a minimum of one year. The analyses focused on partner effects within the APIM framework. To measure narcissistic traits, the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale was used for the vulnerable dimension, and the Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory – Short Form (FFNI-SF) was used for the grandiose dimension. Marital adjustment was assessed using the Near East Marital Adjustment Scale. According to comparisons based on descriptive variables, no significant differences were found in narcissism or marital adjustment scores with respect to gender, type of marriage, age difference between spouses, or who provided for the household. However, a significant difference in vulnerable narcissism was found in relation to educational level; individuals with only a high school education scored higher on vulnerable narcissism than those with university-level education or higher. A marginally significant difference in vulnerable narcissism was also observed across income levels. APIM analyses revealed a strong correlation and mutual predictive relationship between the woman's vulnerable narcissism and her partner's grandiose narcissism. The man's grandiose narcissism significantly predicted his partner's vulnerable narcissism, while the woman's vulnerable narcissism also positively predicted her partner's vulnerable narcissism. Although the subdimensions of narcissism did not significantly predict the partner's marital adjustment, the woman's vulnerable narcissism was significantly associated with her own marital adjustment. Moreover, a strong correlation and mutual predictive relationship were observed between partners' marital adjustment levels. The results suggest that narcissism may play a role dynamics within romantic relationships and partner selection, and that grandiose and vulnerable narcissism can function in a complementary manner within relationships. Additionally, it appears that both types of narcissism co-occur in both women and men.