Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism on interpersonal circumplex model: reactions to criticism in romantic relationship

Vulnerable narcissism (VN) and grandiose narcissism (GN) are characterized by different expressions of self in interpersonal relationships. This study aims to examine narcissism with its grandiose and vulnerable dimensions while considering reactions to criticism, which is a challenging interpersonal experience accompanied by the Interpersonal Circumplex Model (IPC) by "the person" and "romantic partner". The study evaluates the dimensions of narcissism and is based on the responses of the participants and their partners (behavioral, cognitive, and emotional). The Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) was administered to evaluate narcissistic characteristics. The "Criticism Story" of the Story Completion Inventory in Romantic Relationships (SCIRR) was used for criticism. The circular pattern between the responses of the participants and their partners was examined using the Interpersonal Schemas Scale (ISS). The results revealed that the vulnerable group gave more complementary responses emotionally and made more complementary predictions than the grandiose group in terms of the expected reactions from a romantic partner. The results were discussed in reference to basic motivations that serve as protection for self-esteem.