The Role of Narcissistic Traits and Emotional Coldness in Predicting Marital Empathy

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of narcissistic traits and emotional coldness in determining levels of marital empathy among married adults. A correlational descriptive design was employed using a sample of 393 married individuals from Tunisia, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size determination table. Participants completed standardized self-report questionnaires measuring narcissistic traits, emotional coldness, and marital empathy. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were calculated, followed by Pearson correlation to examine bivariate associations and multiple linear regression to assess the predictive power of independent variables on marital empathy. Assumptions for regression analysis were tested and confirmed prior to analysis. Pearson correlation results revealed significant negative relationships between marital empathy and both narcissistic traits (r = -0.42, p < .01) and emotional coldness (r = -0.58, p < .01). A moderate positive correlation was also found between narcissistic traits and emotional coldness (r = 0.46, p < .01). The regression model was significant, F(2, 390) = 126.45, p < .001, accounting for 40% of the variance in marital empathy (R² = 0.40). Both narcissistic traits (β = -0.29, p < .001) and emotional coldness (β = -0.45, p < .001) emerged as significant negative predictors, with emotional coldness having a stronger effect. The findings underscore the detrimental effects of narcissistic traits and emotional coldness on marital empathy. Emotional coldness, in particular, is a stronger predictor of empathic deficits in marital relationships. These results highlight the need for interventions that target emotional responsiveness and personality-driven barriers to empathy in couples therapy and relationship counseling.