The Relationship Between Narcissism and the Emotion Goal Sadness and Sex-Related Moderation Within Romantic Relationships

Abstract

Objective: Recent scientific literature primarily focused on different emotion regulation strategies in terms of emotion regulation processes. Nevertheless, emotion regulation goals describe the preceding motives that individuals pursue to experience the desired emotions. Although previous research yielded promising results, a dearth of studies persists concerning the examination of emotion goals in relation to potential influencing factors and specific social circumstances. The present dissertation intends to investigate the relationship between narcissistic personality and the emotion regulation goal to experience sadness when reconciling with a romantic partner. Additionally, this work discusses whether sex moderates the main relationship. Method: Therefore, full-age participants (N = 53) who were in a relationship and residing in the Netherlands completed an online self-report survey. This questionnaire included a narcissism instrument, an emotion goal questionnaire, and gathered demographic information. Results: However, no significant results were obtained through a moderated regression analysis. Nevertheless, when inspected with caution, a weak negative trend might be noticeable. Conclusions: Although neither for the relationship between narcissism and the emotion goal of sadness nor for the moderation through sex differences any significant indications could be found, this study still provides valuable insights into emotion goal dynamics. Hence, the current research analysed relevant findings and produced promising contributions to the relatively young scientific discipline of emotion regulation goals.