Examining the mediating role of psychopathy in the relationship between narcissism and empathy

This study aimed to understand the mechanisms underlying empathy deficits associated with narcissistic traits in more detail and to investigate the mediating role of psychopathy in the relationship between narcissism and empathy. The research was planned as a cross-sectional study and the correlational screening method was used in the research. 673 participants (508 females and 165 males) between the ages of 18-35 were included in the study. The Sociodemographic Information Form, Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Inventory (LSRP) were used to collect data and the data were collected online. SPSS (30.0) and ProcessMacro was used for data analysis. According to the correlation analysis results, it was seen that there were positive significant relationships between narcissism and psychopathy, negative significant relationships between narcissism and empathy, and negative significant relationships between psychopathy and empathy. According to the mediation analysis results, primary psychopathy was found to have a full mediating role in the relationship between narcissism and empathy. Secondary psychopathy was found to have no mediating effect in the relationship between narcissism and empathy. The findings were discussed within the scope of studies in the literature. Finally, the limitations of the study were discussed, and suggestions were made for researchers and mental health experts for future studies.