Relationship Between Narcissism and Unforgiveness Among Indian Adults: A Mixed Methods Investigation

Background and Purpose: Narcissism is characterized by grandiosity and is associated with various psychological challenges. Narcissists often avoid forgiveness and cling to emotions that reinforce their self-image. This study examined the relationship between narcissism and unforgiveness in Indian adults. Materials and Methods: Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, ۱۹۷ participants aged ۲۰ to ۴۰ completed the narcissism personality inventory and unforgiveness measure in the quantitative phase. The data were analyzed using the Pearson product-moment method. Using percentile ranks, ۳۶ extreme scorers on the narcissism measure (۱۸ higher than above the ۷۵th percentile and ۱۸ lower than below the ۲۵th percentile) were chosen from Doctor Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, for a telephone interview in the qualitative phase to examine differences in unforgiveness. The interview questions were related to the causes of unforgiveness. Results: A total of ۱۹۷ participants aged ۱۹ to ۳۹ years (Mean±SD: ۲۸.۴۳±۶.۲۸ y) participated in the first study phase, while ۳۶ participants (Mean±SD: ۲۹.۶۷±۵.۷۸ y) were chosen for the second phase. The results showed a weak positive correlation (r=۰.۰۴۱, P=۰.۵۷۰) between narcissism and unforgiveness. In the qualitative phase, differences emerged in how people with high and low narcissism scorers described the causes of unforgiveness. People with high narcissism scores cited ignorance, betrayal, and breach of trust as the leading causes. In contrast, people with low narcissism scores tended to forgive most offenses. Still, they cited serious crimes such as harassment, sexual assault, and physical or verbal abuse as significant reasons for their unforgiveness. Conclusion: The study found a positive correlation between narcissism and unforgiveness among Indian adults, indicating a minimal association. However, qualitative data showed that high-level narcissists often cited betrayal and breaches of trust as significant causes of unforgiveness. In contrast, low-level narcissists cited serious offenses such as harassment and abuse.

کلیدواژه ها:

Grandiosity ، Narcissism ، Personality ، Telephone interview ، Holding forgiveness