What is Sexual Narcissism?
Monday, May 13, 2024.
What is Sexual Narcissism?
For the sake of our discussion here today, let’s keep in mind that Sexual Narcissists exhibit not only a general sense of self-importance but also a specific belief in their entitlement to sexual gratification, often at the expense of their relationships.
They tend to prioritize their own desires over their partner's, with little regard for the consequences…
Infidelity, often associated with low self-esteem, distress, and divorce, has been linked to the personality trait known as 'Sexual Narcissism.'
Research suggests that folks high in Sexual Narcissism are more prone to cheating on their partners…
How the study was conducted
A study of 123 newlyweds tracked over one to four years examined the relationship between narcissism, relationship satisfaction, and infidelity.
The results revealed that 5% of couples experienced extramarital affairs during this period, with an equal number of husbands and wives engaging in cheating behavior.
The authors describe narcissism as a multifaceted personality style characterized by tendencies toward exploiting others, a general lack of empathy, and a pervasive confidence in one's abilities. This sense of entitlement and lack of empathy are key factors in predicting cheating behavior.
Final thoughts
Low relationship satisfaction and the overall amount of narcissism within the couple were also identified as predictors of infidelity.
The study underscores the damaging consequences of infidelity on relationships, stating that "infidelity can have serious negative consequences for those involved. Not only is infidelity associated with decreased relationship satisfaction in both partners, it is has been identified as one of the most common predictors of divorce."
Let’s face it…this research highlights the importance of addressing issues of entitlement, empathy, and relationship satisfaction to maintain healthy and faithful partnerships.
Sexual Narcissism is a thing, let’s be clear about that.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCE:
McNulty, J. K., & Widman, L. (2014). Sexual narcissism and infidelity in early marriage. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 43(7), 1315-1325. DOI: 10.1007/s10508-014-0269-6
