Narcissistic Admiration and Narcissistic Rivalry: Associations With Accuracy and Bias in Perceptions of Romantic Partners

Abstract

Two studies examined perceptions of romantic partners, using the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Concept model to conceptualize narcissism. We examined three types of partner perceptions: partner-enhancement (perceiving one’s partner more positively than oneself), mean-level bias (perceiving one’s partner more positively than the partner’s self-perception), and tracking accuracy (accurately perceiving the relative position of one’s partner within a sample). In Study 1, 252 individuals rated themselves and their partners in two agentic domains (attractiveness/vitality, status/resources) and one communal domain (warmth/trustworthiness). Narcissistic admiration was associated with less partner-enhancement, especially for agentic qualities. Study 2 surveyed 75 romantic couples about their self-perceptions and partner perceptions. Analyses with the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model revealed that narcissistic admiration was associated with less partner-enhancement. Study 2 also used the Truth and Bias model to examine mean-level bias and tracking accuracy. Narcissistic rivalry was associated with less mean-level bias and greater tracking accuracy in the domain of attractiveness/vitality.