Accuracy and bias in perceptions of partner behavior in relationships of narcissists

Narcissists are intent on constructing and maintaining a grandiose self that is special and superior to others. In service of this self-enhancement goal, their perceptions of others are often negatively biased. This talk presents research in progress examining how these perceptual processes play out in their romantic relationships. 86 couples completed measures of support given and received from their partners over 14 days. Results (from APIM analyses) indicated that narcissists are particularly sensitive to their partners’ shortcomings by being more accurate in detecting negative forms of support received (e.g., blaming the partner for his or her problems). Furthermore, high narcissists also showed a negative bias by underestimating the extent of altruistic support motives of their partners. Partners of narcissists, in contrast, appear to have a positive bias in ongoing relationships. They underestimated the significant amount of negative support provided by the narcissists. Results are discussed in terms of the self-regulatory goals of narcissists and their relationship partners and the possible impact of these biases on couple well-being.