Gender differences in the expression of narcissism: Diagnostic assessment, aetiology, and intimate partner violence perpetration

Green, Ava

Abstract

Despite its longevity as a personality construct, theoretical understandings of gender differences in narcissistic presentation are underdeveloped given the overemphasis of grandiose features indicative of the male gender. The existing literature is also fragmented across empirical and clinical subfields, with inconsistent conceptualisations regarding an assumed heterogeneous construct encompassing grandiose and vulnerable features. In this context, this thesis aims to enhance theoretical knowledge regarding gender differences in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism through undertaking three distinct but interrelated studies. The focus was specifically on parenting styles in the development of narcissism and variances in self-esteem regulation within Intimate Partner Violence, and the gender bias of narcissistic pathology as captured in the psychiatric nomenclature.
Results demonstrate that hypothetical patients with vulnerable narcissism symptomatology are being (mis)diagnosed as having other ‘vulnerable disorders’, findings which may contribute to the observed gender bias in the psychiatric nomenclature (Study 1). Converging evidence demonstrates gender differences linking females to vulnerable features of narcissism (Study 2 and Study 3). Retrospective accounts of childrearing experiences generated findings which associated different parenting styles with manifestations of narcissism and partner violence outcomes in each gender, further elucidating the underling construct of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism (Study 2). The complexity of narcissism is revealed, as gender roles were perceived to shape self-regulatory strategies in females to obtain their self-worth (Study 3).
It is concluded that gender socialisation processes play an important role in producing these gender differences, impacting on the diagnostic assessment, development, and manifestation of narcissism. It is recommended that a significant theoretical re-synthesis is required to capture gender issues in narcissism at the level of conceptualisation and clinical treatment, and integrate the disjointed subfields. Limitations of the thesis are identified and suggestions for future research made.

Citation

Green, A. Gender differences in the expression of narcissism: Diagnostic assessment, aetiology, and intimate partner violence perpetration. (Thesis). Edinburgh Napier University. Retrieved from http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2704510

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 24, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 1, 2021
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17869/enu.2020.2704510
• Keywords: gender differences; narcissism; parenting styles; intimate partner violence; self-worth
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2704510
• Award Date: Jul 1, 2020