The Mediating Role of Perfectionism and Defense Mechanisms in The Relationship between Personality Traits and Narcissism

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to examine the relationships between perfectionism, defense mechanisms and basic personality traits and vulnerable and grandiose narcissism. Besides, it is aimed to determine the mediating role of defense mechanisms and perfectionism in the relationship between basic personality traits and vulnerable and grandiose narcissism. The sample of the study consists of 403 volunteer participants whose ages are between 18-60. In this study, data were collected by using Demographic Information Form, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40), Basic Personality Traits Inventory (BPTI), and Five-Factor Narcissism Inventory-Short Form (FFNI). Among the continuous variables of the study, it was identified that there were correlations ranging from .09 to .50. In addition, according to the mediation (mediator) analysis results, it was revealed that the immature defense group and concern over mistakes had mediation role in the relationship between negative valence, which is one of the basic personality traits and grandiose narcissism; immature defense group and personal standards had mediation role in the relationship between openness to development and grandiose narcissism. Also, it was found that the immature defense group and concern over mistakes had mediation role in the relationship between negative valence and vulnerable narcissism; the immature defense group, concern over mistakes and doubt about actions had mediation role in the relationship between neuroticism and vulnerable narcissism. It has been observed that total four significant models explain 30% to 38% of the variance. In the light of the current results, the evaluation of some personality traits associated with vulnerable and grandiose narcissism and the effect of immatur defenses and perfectionism in this relationship may contribute positively to the understanding and treatment process of narcissistic personal traits. Keywords Grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, basic personality traits, perfectionism, defense mechanisms