The Effects of Narcissistic Tendencies on the Perceived Effectiveness of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation: Fears of Compassion as Mediators

Previous studies have suggested difficulties in emotion regulation in narcissists. However, interpersonal emotion regulation (IER), which is used in interpersonal interactions, has not been sufficiently examined despite its importance in narcissism. This study examined the effects of narcissistic tendencies on the perceived effectiveness of IER mediated by fears of compassion. We asked 228 university students to recall their most recent IER experiences and measured the perceived effectiveness of IER, narcissistic tendencies, and fears of compassion. Structural equation modeling and mediation analysis of data from 217 participants showed that narcissistic grandiosity was negatively associated with the perceived effectiveness of IER through fear of compassion for others, narcissistic vulnerability through fear of compassion for others, and avoidance of compassion from others.