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

Green, Ava; Charles, Kathy; Maclean, Rory

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
• Electronic ISSN: 2396-9598
• 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