Wives’ perception of sexual relationship with narcissistic men: Results of a qualitative thematic analysis with Iranian women

Abstract

Background and aims: Many studies have investigated the interpersonal dimensions of narcissism, though women’s perceptions of sexual relationship with a narcissistic individual have rarely been the topic of interest. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual lived experiences of women living with narcissistic men. Methods: To this end, a qualitative thematic analysis was used to have a better understanding of the concept. A total of 31 women were selected through convenience sampling technique and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview, all of whom were living with their narcissistic husbands. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: Based on the findings of this study, two main themes emerged during data analysis. First, women found their sexual relationship with a narcissistic man insecure, as well as the perception that their relationship was one-sided and demanding. In addition, the insecured relationship comprised several subthemes including the lack of sexual intimacy, sexual aggression and unwanted sex, and low commitment. The other main themes contained two sub-themes, namely, unrealistic and excessive expectations from the spouse and the relationship and the lack of responsibility and cooperation of the husband. Conclusion: This study was mainly focused on sexuality in living with a narcissistic person and the results showed that sex is strongly influenced by the consequences of narcissism. This study also has some research and clinical implications for future research.

Pathological narcissism: An analysis of interpersonal dysfunction within intimate relationships

“…Research has suggested the link between narcissism and the problematic use (and loss) of others' money (Jones, 2013). Further findings have highlighted the link between narcissism, sexual coercion, infidelity and sexual aggression within romantic relationships (Altinok & Kilic, 2020; Lamarche & Seery, 2019; Moradi et al, 2019). However, while the majority of research has focused on male narcissistic samples, research has also demonstrated the presence of sexual aggression, coercion and intimate partner violence in females with pathological narcissism (Blinkhorn et al, 2015; Green et al, 2020).…”

The relationship of mindfulness and difficulties in emotion regulation with emotional divorce through sexual satisfaction among married university students in Ahvaz, Iran

“…Marital conflicts play significantly mediating roles in the relationships of difficulties in emotion regulation with relationship quality and sexual satisfaction (15). Sexual satisfaction refers to satisfaction (satisfaction with sex), communication (verbal communication and dialogue with spouse such as the easy expression of feelings and feedback on sex) (16), adjustment (couples' awareness of their spouses' sexual needs and efforts for adjustment to spouse in sex), sexual anxiety (women's anxiety about their husbands due to sexual problems and their spouses' sexual relationships with others) (17,18), and personal anxiety (the anxiety about sexual problems and their effects on other aspects of women's life that can prevent their pleasure and peace of mind in their personal life) (19). Since the Iranian society is now in a transition state with traditional rituals, most couples live in traditional families and prefer putting up with very low-quality married lives to experiencing the stress of divorce.…”