The Association of Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissistic Traits with Other- and Self-Directed Aggression in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Literature Review and Study Protocol

Introduction. Narcissistic personality (NP) traits represent a significant risk factor for engaging in threatening behaviors within interpersonal contexts. Individuals with pronounced NP traits are highly vulnerable when confronted with real or perceived threats to their self-esteem and often react inappropriately to regain a sense of control over stressful and destabilizing situations. The literature indicates that this goal can be achieved either through aggressive behaviors within intimate relationships (i.e., intimate partner violence - IPV) or by directing aggression towards oneself, via suicidal ideation or attempts, or engaging in risky behaviors that endanger both their own and others' health (Collinson & Lynam, 2021; Franklin et al., 2017). Studies on the relationship between NP and IPV have highlighted that narcissistic individuals may experience shame, guilt, anger, and humiliation in response to couple crises or separations and, to reestablish a feeling of control  necessary to “heal” their wounded Self they become maltreaters and abusers, opting for aggressive behaviors (Oliver et al., 2023). Similarly, suicidality and engagement in risky behaviors can be conceptualized as extreme and maladaptive regulatory mechanisms through which narcissistic individuals attempt to manage intolerable emotions (Ronningstam et al., 2018). However, the factors that may predispose an individual primarily towards other- or self-directed aggression are still not well understood. It has been hypothesized that two dimensions of NP, grandiosity and vulnerability, may have differential roles in fostering other- and self-directed aggressive behaviors, respectively. Nevertheless, empirical evidence supporting this hypothesis is still scarce (Oliver et al., 2023; Sprio et al., 2021), and studies that assessed both other- and self-directed aggressive behaviors in relation to NP dimensions are lacking. For these reasons, the aim of the present work was to review the available literature on the relation between NP traits (specifically, grandiosity and vulnerability dimensions) and other- (i.e., IPV) as well as self-directed aggression (i.e., suicidality and risky behaviors). Results from the literature review were employed as a foundation for designing a study protocol hypothesizing that (1) NP traits would be significantly associated with both other- (i.e., IPV) and self-directed aggressive behaviors (i.e., suicidality and risky behaviors), and (2) narcissistic grandiosity would be more strongly associated with other-directed aggression, whereas narcissistic vulnerability would be more strongly associated with self-directed aggression. Methods. A narrative literature review was first conducted by searching relevant articles on principal scientific databases (i.e., PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science). Based on the review results, a cross-sectional study protocol was developed. A sample of 100 participants will be recruited from Italian centers for IPV perpetrators (Centri per Uomini Autori di Violenza – CUAV) and will complete an online survey. The survey will consist of the following instruments: the Brief-Pathological Narcissism Inventory (B-PNI) to assess grandiose and vulnerable narcissistic traits; the Extended-Hurt/Insult/Threaten/Scream (E-HITS) to measure the type and frequency of IPV behaviors; the Sheehan-Suicidality Tracking Scale (S-STS) for suicidal ideation and behaviors; and an ad-hoc designed form to collect sociodemographic information as well as type and frequency of risky behaviors (e.g., alcohol and substance abuse, dangerous driving, gambling). Three regression models will be tested to assess whether narcissistic personality, as well as the two dimensions of grandiosity and vulnerability, are differentially associated with (1) type and frequency of IPV, (2) suicidal ideation and behavior, and (3) engagement in risky behaviors. Results. Regarding the association between NP and IPV, the literature review revealed that, although frequently reported, NP has a lower association with IPV compared to other personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder); nevertheless, cyber and psychological IPV perpetration were significantly positively related to trait narcissism across studies. Concerning suicidality and risky behaviors, literature showed that narcissistic personality traits are strongly associated with successful suicidal attempts and, to a lesser extent, with non-suicidal risky behaviors. As expected, none of the retrieved studies systematically evaluated the possible relation between grandiose and vulnerable NP, risky behaviors, suicidality, and IPV. Regarding the study protocol, for the first hypothesis, it is expected that as NP traits of IPV perpetrators increase, there will be a corresponding increase in scores of suicidal ideations and behaviors, frequency of engaging in risky behaviors, and similarly, IPV behaviors. For the second hypothesis, it is expected that grandiose NP traits will be more strongly associated with other-directed aggressive behaviors (e.g., IPV), while vulnerable NP traits will be more strongly correlated with self-directed aggressive behaviors (e.g., risky behaviors/suicidality). Conclusions. The present investigation into the associations between grandiose and vulnerable NP traits and other- and self-directed aggressive behaviors of IPV perpetrators may offer significant clinical advancements. By identifying these risk factors, the study provides critical insights that could have substantial clinical implications. Specifically, the findings could inform the development and integration of new, targeted interventions within rehabilitative psychological programs for IPV perpetrators. These tailored interventions have the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for these individuals, ultimately contributing to more effective treatment strategies and improved mental health outcomes.