Prediction of Pathological Narcissism Based on Family System: The Mediating Role of Narcissistic Wounds and Perfectionism

Abstract

Background and purpose: Family background is effective in incidence of unhealthy personality traits such as pathological narcissism. The aim of this study was to predict pathological narcissism according to family system and the mediating role of narcissistic wounds and perfectionism. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study, 477 high school girls in Qom, Iran were selected by convenience sampling in 2015-2016 academic year. Data was obtained by Family Dynamic Environment Scale (FDES), Childhood Recollection Scale (CRS), Narcissistic Injury Scale (NIS), Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire (CPQ), and Maladaptive Covert Narcissism Scale (MCNS). Data was then analyzed using structural equation modeling by LISREL-8.53 Software. Moreover, descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS-22 Software. Results: Fit indices in final model indicate good model fit with data (RMSEA=0.066, GFI=0.98, IFI=0.98, x2=18.60, P<0.05). According to the findings, the original assumed model and all assumed paths had significant path coefficients (P<0.05). Although, the path coefficients between the variables in the model were significant, but the direct and indirect path with mediating role of injury narcissism of the family system to pathological narcissism had the highest degree of coefficients (β=0.63, β=0.65, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusion: The family system affects pathological narcissism directly and indirectly via reinforced narcissism wounds and negative perfectionism. In preventing the pathological narcissism, any appropriate intervention on family status and family-related unhealthy personality traits could be of great benefit.

Keywords

• narcissism
• perfectionism
• grandiosity
• family