Abstract

This paper aims to explore desire for emotional intimacy, desire for commitment, and relationship satisfaction in emerging adults adjusting for adaptive and maladaptive narcissistic traits. The purpose of observing these variables is to determine whether separating adaptive and maladaptive traits in grandiose narcissism results in varying data compared to testing narcissism as a single measure. Participants were 295 emerging adults (M age = 20.26 , SD = 1.99; 62.4% women). Participants completed the grandiose narcissism scale (GNS) and then answered questions regarding their desire for intimacy and commitment in their ideal romantic relationships, and their overall relationship satisfaction. Results revealed that emerging adults with higher levels of maladaptive narcissism desire less intimacy and commitment in their ideal romantic relationships. This finding leads us to believe that grandiose narcissists may differ in behavior and belief patterns regarding relationships, in that those with higher maladaptive traits may desire less intimacy and commitment with their romantic partners and thus act in ways that display this lessened desire.

Advisor

Clark, Alyssa

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

narcissism, adaptive narcissism, maladaptive narcissism, intimacy, commitment, romantic relationships, narcissistic traits, relationship satisfaction

Publication Date

2024

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2024 Nina K. Miller