THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SELF-COMPASSION IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARLY MALADAPTIVE SCHEMAS AND NARCISSISTIC TRAITS IN ADULTS

Abstract

Self-compassion, which is an important concept in the development of personality traits of society and individuals, has a significant effect on narcissistic personality traits and maladaptive schemas, which is one of the personality disorders. This study aims to examine the relationships between early maladaptive schema areas, narcissistic personality and self-compassion in adults, taking into account the gender variable, and to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between early maladaptive schema areas and narcissistic personality disorder. Quantitative research methods were used. The data of the study were collected from 389 Istanbul Nişantaşı University students, 189 women and 200 men, by questionnaire method. Personal information form, Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Young Schema Scale and Self-Compassion Scale were included in the questionnaire. The hypotheses of the research were tested by using multiple linear regression analyzes on the SPSS program. The findings of the study have showed that maladaptive schema domains and self-compassion were significant predictors of narcissism, and self-compassion mediates the effect of maladaptive schemas on narcissistic personality traits. The findings have also showed that the effects of maladaptive schema domains and self-compassion on narcissism and the mediating role of self-compassion are different for male and female adults.