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Perceptions of female narcissism in intimate partner violence: A thematic analysis

Green, Ava; Charles, Kathy; Maclean, Rory

Authors

Ava Green

Kathy Charles



Abstract

This study sought to explicitly investigate manifestations off ema/,e narcissism and their attempts at self-regulation in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV). This navel phenomenon was explored through the lens of ex-partners' perceptions of female narcissists. A qualitative approach using individual interviews was adopted to gain an in-depth insight of the subtleties and nuances of gender differences in narcissistic personality. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with ten male participants who repurted having experienced an abusive relationship with a female narcissist. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Three overarching themes emerged from the data analysis: (i) dualistic personas of narcissism; (ii) the mask of femininity; and (iii) the hidden paradox of gender roles. Findings illustrated that perceived expressions of female narcissists depicted presentations of narcissistic vulnerability. Analysis also demonstrated that gender-related norms further shaped motives and self-regulatury strategies for females to obtain positions of power and control. These were established through adopting a 'victim status', playing the 'mother card' and using legal and societal benefits to their advantage. Female narcissists were perceived to employ strategic attempts at self-construction in sinister and abusive ways, governed by what society allows them to express. It is concluded that narcissism describes a phenomenon in females that move beyond the overt grandiose stereotype. Limitations and suggestions for future re.search are discussed.

Citation

Green, A., Charles, K., & Maclean, R. (2019). Perceptions of female narcissism in intimate partner violence: A thematic analysis. Qualitative Methods in Psychology Bulletin, 13-27

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 28, 2019
Publication Date Nov 8, 2019
Deposit Date Nov 12, 2019
Publicly Available Date Nov 12, 2019
Journal QMiP Bulletin
Print ISSN 2044-0820
Publisher British Psychological Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Issue 28
Pages 13-27
Keywords Narcissism, gender, female narcissism, intimate partner violence, perceptions, victims
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2311235
Publisher URL https://shop.bps.org.uk/publications/qmip-bulletin-issue-28-autumn-2019.html

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Copyright Statement
This is a pre-publication version of the following article: Green, A., Charles, K., & Maclean, R. (2019). Perceptions of female narcissism in intimate partner violence: A thematic analysis. Qualitative Methods in Psychology Bulletin, 28: 13-27




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