The mediating role of social problem solving in the relation between narcissism and aggression Sterre Derksen ANR 731526 Supervisor: Andreas Wismeijer Bachelorthesis psychology and health Department of developmental psychology, Tilburg University June 2017
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 2 Abstract This study researches the possible mediating role social problem solving plays in the relationship between narcissism and aggression. In the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression, the mediating role of both dysfunctional social problem solving styles, impulsive style and avoidant style, was investigated. One hundred and nine participants (M = 34.84 years) filled out questionnaires on narcissism, social problem solving and aggression. Mediation analysis showed nonsignificant results for both dysfunctional styles, concluding that social problem solving does not play a mediating role in the relationship between narcissism and aggression. Keywords: narcissism, narcissistic rivalry, aggression, social problem solving
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 3 The mediating role of social problem solving in the relation between narcissism and aggression Narcissism is a complex personality trait that includes grandiose views of self and intrapsychic and interpersonal strategies for maintaining these inflated self-views. Narcissists have highly positive self-views in domains such as physical attractiveness and traits like intelligence (Campbell, Rudich, & Sedikides, 2002; Twenge & Campbell, 2003). Narcissism can be divided in grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism (Dickinson & Pincus, 2003; Miler et al., 2011). Grandiose narcissism is the form of narcissism that exists in the normal population as a personality trait whereas vulnerable narcissism is a more pathological form. Grandiose narcissism is positively related to extraversion and negatively related to agreeableness and neuroticism while vulnerable narcissism is positively related to neuroticism and negatively to extraversion and agreeableness (Miller et al., 2011; Paulhus & Williams, 2002). Further, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism also have different relations with selfesteem whereas grandiose narcissism is positively related to self-esteem and vulnerable narcissism negatively (Miller et al., 2011). This study focusses on grandiose narcissism, therefore the term narcissism refers to grandiose narcissism. Apart from the grandiose and inflated self-views, narcissists also have a strong sense of entitlement and superiority, a lack of empathy, and a need for social admiration. Additionally, narcissists have tendencies to show dominant, charming, bragging, impulsive, and aggressive behaviour (Back et al., 2013). According to Back et al. (2013), narcissists seem to have two different sides, one that is positive and leads to assertive behaviour resulting in popularity and one that is negative and leads to antagonistic behaviour resulting in unpopularity. In 2013, Back et al. proposed a new model which distinguishes two dimensions of narcissism: admiration and rivalry. The main idea of this model is that narcissists want to maintain a grandiose self and to achieve that they can use different strategies. The first strategy involves reaching social admiration by self-promotion, which is referred to as assertive self-
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 4 enhancement. The second strategy involves preventing social failure by using self-defence which is referred to as antagonistic self-protection. Although narcissism has been found to be positively related to self-esteem and life satisfaction, there are also far more negative behaviours related to narcissism (Rose, 2002). Among those negative behaviours are for example dominant, bragging, and impulsive behaviours but also aggression (Back et al., 2013). The relationship between narcissism and aggression has been investigated in several studies with the overall conclusion being that people with higher scores on narcissism show more aggressive behaviour (Bushman & Baumeister, 1998; Reidy, Zeichner, Foster, & Martinez, 2008). Stucke and Sporer (2002) found that narcissistic people show more aggressive behaviour when their ego is threatened than non-narcissistic people. In the proposed narcissism model by Back et al. (2013), narcissism is divided in two categories, narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry. The difference between narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry is based on the theory that narcissists use two different strategies to maintain a grandiose self, assertive self-enhancement and antagonistic self-protection. The assertive self-enhancement strategy is conceptualized by narcissistic admiration and is associated with extraversion and charming behaviour. The antagonistic self-protection strategy is conceptualized by narcissistic rivalry and associated with neuroticism and aggressive behaviour. Because only narcissistic rivalry is associated with aggressive behaviour, narcissistic admiration will not be used during analysis (Back et al., 2013). Aggression is commonly defined as feelings of anger or antipathy resulting in hostile or violent behaviour. Aggression can be divided in four domains: physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility (Buss & Perry, 1992). Physical and verbal aggression both involve hurting or harming others and are the main motor component of aggressive behaviour. Anger involves physiological arousal and preparation of aggression and represents an
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 5 emotional component in aggressive behaviour. The last domain of aggression, hostility, consists of feelings of ill will and injustice. Hostility represents the cognitive component of aggressive behaviour (Buss & Perry, 1992). Anger has a strong correlation with the other three domains and seems to be the bridge between the instrumental components and the cognitive component (Buss & Perry, 1992; Harris, 1997). Bush and Perry found that anger often comes before aggression and people are more likely to aggress, physical or verbal, when they are angry than when they are not angry. The last link is between anger and hostility which seems to come from the cognitive residual of ill will and resentment after the anger has cooled. Aggressive behaviour is a reaction to something and that reaction is dependent of one s coping styles and skills. Social problem solving is a cognitive behavioural process used by individuals, couples, and groups to identify or discover effective solutions for problems experienced in daily life (D Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2004). This process is used to change situations for the better and reduce emotional distress. Social problem solving has a negative relation with aggression, meaning that people with dysfunctional social problem solving skills are more aggressive than people with constructive social problem solving skills (Berkowitz, 1964; McMurran, Blair, & Egan, 2002). Social problem solving consists of two problem orientation dimensions and three problem solving styles (D Zurrilla et al., 2004; Maydeu-Olivares & D'Zurilla, 1996). The first problem orientation dimension, positive problem orientation, is a cognitive set which involves seeing a problem as a challenge and optimism about the solvability of the problem. This demands a form of problem solving self-efficacy and the assumption that successful problem solving takes time, effort, and commitment. By way of contrast negative problem orientation, which is the second problem orientation dimension, is a dysfunctional or inhibitive cognitiveemotional set that involves the tendency to view a problem as a threat to one s well-being.
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 6 Further it consists of doubting one s ability to solve problems successfully and being easily frustrated and upset when confronted with problems (D Zurilla et al.,2004). The first of the three problem solving styles is rational problem solving (D Zurilla et al., 2004). It is defined as the rational, deliberate, and systematic application of effective problem solving skills. These problem solving skills consists of four components: problem definition and formulation, generation of alternative solutions, decision making, and solution implementation and verification. The second problem solving style is impulsivity-carelessness style and is a dysfunctional problem solving pattern characterized by active attempts to apply problem solving strategies and techniques. These attempts however are impulsive, careless, hurried, and incomplete (D Zurrilla et al., 2004). Typically, a person with this problem solving style considers few solution alternatives and often impulsively goes with the first option that comes to mind. Additionally, the alternative solutions and consequences are quickly and carelessly scanned and solution outcomes are inadequately monitored. Finally, the third and last problem solving style is also a dysfunctional one, known as avoidance style. According to D Zurrilla et al. (2004), this problem solving pattern is characterized by procrastination, passivity, inaction, and dependency. A person with an avoidant problem solving style tries to avoid problems rather than confronting them and puts off solving the problem as long as possible. They also hope that the problem will solve itself and try to give someone else the responsibility for solving their problems (D Zurilla et al., 2004). The social problem solving model shows the constructive process where positive problem solving orientation facilitates a rational problem solving style whereas negative problem solving facilitates a dysfunctional process with either avoidance or impulsive style (D Zurilla et al., 2004). There is a negative relation between narcissism and social problem solving (McMurran, Duggan, Christopher, & Huband, 2007). People with higher scores on narcissism displayed
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 7 more dysfunctional social problem solving skills than people with lower scores on narcissism. However, Huband, McMurran, Evans, and Duggan (2007) found that narcissism is not positively nor negatively related to rational social problem solving which is why only the two dysfunctional social problem solving styles will be used during analysis. Back et al. (2013) discussed the impulsive behaviour often shown by narcissists, therefore it is likely that narcissists often use an impulsive style. In 2007, Huband, McMurran, Evans, and Duggan investigated the effect of social problem solving therapy on adults with a personality disorder and found that therapy significantly improves the self-assessed social problem solving skills. The effect of social problem solving therapy was also investigated on aggressive boys (Lochman & Curry, 1986). After the therapy the boys showed less aggressive behaviours and had better self-esteem. In 1987, Kazdin, Esveldt-Dawson, French, and Unis also found that social problem solving therapy reduces antisocial behaviour and behavioural problems in children. Since social problem solving therapy can improve social problem solving skills and therefore reduce aggressive behaviour, it is important to investigate this matter further. There has not been much research combining narcissism, aggression, and social problem solving. Because social problem solving is related to both narcissism and aggression it might be interesting to investigate the influence social problem solving has on the relationship between narcissism and aggression. Dysfunctional social problem solving could play a mediating role in the aggressive behaviour shown by narcissists. A mediator is a variable that accounts for the relationship between an independent and dependent variable. A mediator explains the internal process between the stimuli and shown behaviour (Baron & Kenny, 1986). Social problem solving is an internal process which cannot be shown directly but reveals itself in the behaviour shown by people. This study researches the mediating role of social problem solving between narcissism and aggression. Hypotheses
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 8 H1: narcissistic rivalry is positively correlated to aggression. H2: narcissistic rivalry is positively correlated to impulsive/carelessness social problem solving style. H3: impulsive/carelessness social problem solving style is positively correlated to aggression. H4: when controlling for impulsive/carelessness social problem solving style, the relation between narcissistic rivalry and aggression become nonsignificant. H5: impulsive/carelessness social problem solving style is a mediator in the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. H6: narcissistic rivalry is positively correlated to avoidant social problem solving style. H7: avoidant social problem solving style is positively correlated to aggression. H8: when controlling for avoidant social problem solving style, the relation between narcissistic rivalry and aggression becomes nonsignificant. H9: avoidant social problem solving style is a mediator in the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. Method Sample For the current study a convenience sample of 109 Dutch participants aged 18 to 71 was drawn (M = 34.84, SD = 15.83). The sample included 63 females and 46 males, who did not differ in age (Mage male = 34.59, SD = 15.51 vs. Mage female = 35.03, SD = 16.20). Procedure
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 9 All participants were asked to fill in a consent form and complete a survey, which included a demographic form, the narcissistic admiration and rivalry questionnaire, the social problem solving inventory revised and the aggression questionnaire. Measurement The narcissistic admiration and rivalry questionnaire (NARQ) (Back et al., 2013) is a self-report questionnaire consisting of 18 items assessing narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry. Participants were asked to answer the statements on a 6-point Lickert scale ranging from completely disagree to completely agree. An example statement of the narcissistic admiration scale is I am great and an example statement of the narcissistic rivalry scale is I want my rivals to fail. The NARQ has a Gutman s Lamdba-2 of.88. The social problem solving inventory revised (SPSI-R) (D Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu- Olivares, 2004) is a self-report questionnaire consisting of 52 items divided over 5 subscales; positive problem orientation, negative problem orientation, impulsive style, avoidant style and rational problem solving. Respondents were asked to react to the statements by giving a score on a 5-point lickert scale ranging from completely inapplicable to me to completely applicable to me. The SPSI-R has a Guttman s Lambda-2 of.84. The last questionnaire is the aggression questionnaire (AQ) (Buss &Perry, 1992), which is another self-report questionnaire. It consists of 29 items divided over 4 subscales; physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger and hostility. The 29 statements are answered by the participants on a 5-point lickert scale ranging from completely disagree to completely agree. The AQ has a Guttman s Lambda-2 of.88. Not all respondents filled in all the questions, the questions that were left open got the code 999 and will not be used in the analysis. Statistical analysis
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 10 In order to determine the relationship between narcissistic rivalry, impulsive social problem solving style and aggression and the relationship between narcissistic rivalry, avoidant social problem solving style and aggression, two mediation analysis were run in IBM SPSS 23.0 using PROCESS. After both analyses were executed two post-hoc power analyses were conducted on the total models using G*Power 3.1 (Faul, Erdfelder, Buchner, & Lang, 2009). An α of.05 was used to define significance. Results In order to explore the sample, four student s t-tests were executed to compare the mean difference between men and women on all four variables. Men and women significantly differed on three of the four variables, only the results on the avoidant style were nonsignificant (table 1). Further a correlation matrix was made to investigated the relationship between the four variables (table 2). All relationships were significant except the relation between narcissistic rivalry and avoidant style (r =.13, p =.199) and the relation between aggression and avoidant style (r =.047, p =.64) Before the mediation analysis was executed, the assumptions for a multiple regression were checked. All variables were continuous and the independent variables had a variance greater than zero. The assumption of homoscedasticity was met for both multiple regression models and the assumption of multicollinearity was also met for both models (VIF 1.00). To check for the assumption of uncorrelated residuals, a Durbin-Watson test was executed for both multiple regression models. The Durbin-Watson score for the multiple regression with narcissistic rivalry and impulsive style as independent variables was 1.8 and the Durbin- Watson score for the multiple regression with narcissistic rivalry and avoidant style as independent variables was 1.73. The assumption for linearity between independent variables and dependent variables was also met.
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 11 In order to examine the first four hypotheses a mediation analysis using regression was conducted. The mediation analysis examined the relationships between narcissistic rivalry, impulsive style and aggression (figure 1). The first simple regression analysis investigated the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. Narcissistic rivalry significantly predicted aggression, b =.68, t(99) = 3.25, p =.0016, confirming H1. The next simple regression analysis investigated the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and impulsive style and also showed a significant result, b =.19, t(99) = 2.28, p =.025, confirming H2. A multiple regression analysis was then conducted to investigate the relationship between impulsive style and aggression controlling for narcissistic rivalry and the mediation of impulsive style in the relation between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. The relationship between impulsive style and aggression when controlling for narcissistic rivalry was nonsignificant, b =.47, t(98) = 1.93, p =.056, which differs from H3. The relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression controlling for impulsive style was still significant, b =.59, t(98) = 2.78, p =.0065, which differs from H4. Since H3 and H4 could not be confirmed, mediation was not possible, thus contradicting H5. A post-hoc power analysis was conducted on the multiple regression model, f 2 =.15, n = 101, α =.05. The calculated power of finding an effect the same size in the general population was.94. In order to examine the second mediation model two simple regression analysis and a multiple regression analysis were conducted (figure 2). The positive relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression was already examined and found significant in an earlier regression analysis. The next simple regression analysis was the relation between narcissistic rivalry and avoidant style. The relationship was found to be nonsignificant, b =.093, t(99) = 1.23, p =.22, which differs from H6. The relationship between avoidant style and aggression controlled for narcissistic rivalry was also found to be nonsignificant, b =.026, t(98) =.097, p =.092, which differs from H7. The relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 12 controlled for avoidant style was still significant, b =.65, t(98) =.097, p =.0017, which differs from H8. Since H6, H7 and H8 could not be confirmed, mediation was not possible, thus contradicting H9. A post-hoc power analysis was conducted on the multiple regression model, f 2 =.099, n = 101, α =.05. The calculated power of finding an effect the same size in the general population was.8. Discussion The goal of this study was to examine the mediating role of social problem solving in the relationship between narcissism and aggression. The relationship between narcissism and aggression has been often investigated, so in addition to replicating this relationship, this study tries to explain this relationship. The first regression model consisted of the mediating role of impulsive style in the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. The relationship between impulsive style and aggression was nonsignificant when controlling for narcissistic rivalry and the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression was still significant when controlling for impulsive style. This implies that impulsive style does not function as a mediator in the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. The second regression model proposed avoidant style as a mediator in the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. The relationship between narcissistic rivalry and avoidant style was found to be nonsignificant as was the relationship between avoidant style and aggression. Those two steps are crucial in determining mediation which implies that avoidant social problem solving does not function as a mediator in the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression. The relationship between dysfunctional social problem solving skills and aggression has been discussed in several articles (Berkowitz, 1964; McMurran, Blair, & Egan, 2002). Impulsive style and avoidant style have been defined as the two dysfunctional social problem solving styles as opposed to rational social problem solving style which has been defined as a
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 13 constructive social problem solving style (Morera et al., 2006). This study only found a significant correlation between impulsive style and aggression and not between avoidant style and aggression. The two dysfunctional social problem solving styles are based on different behaviours which might explain why only one style is associated with aggression. This could indicate that the impulsive behaviour linked to the social problem solving style is what accounts for the relationship with aggression. Impulsivity is a trait which has often been connected to narcissism and in 2006, Vazire and Funder proposed that impulsivity should be considered as a possible explanatory variable when interpreting narcissists behaviour. The link between impulsivity and impulsive style could also explain the relationship with narcissism found in the current study, again diminishing the perceived effect of impulsive style. So, although impulsivity could have a greater influence on the behaviour of narcissists than impulsive style (Vazire & Funder, 2006), Mcmurran, Blair and Egan (2002) found that impulsive style has a greater influence on aggression than impulsivity. These findings indicate a different model among the variables than the mediation model proposed in this study. Further research is necessary to define the roles of impulsivity and impulsive style in relation to narcissism and aggression. The current study used a relatively young sample (Mage = 34.84, SD = 15.83) which could have influenced the results. Age is an interesting variable to investigate because it has been connected to narcissism before. Foster, Campbell and Twenge (2003) found that age is negatively related to narcissism. It is still unknown whether the effects come from cohort differences or development. Foster et al. (2003) found that the drop in the mean level of narcissism happens in the late adulthood, making it interesting to compare a young sample, like the one used in the current study, with an older sample. If narcissism is dependent of age because of development, there should also be a decrease in aggressive behaviour in late adulthood consistent with the found relationship between narcissism and aggression.
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 14 Huesmann, Eron, Lefkowitz, and Walder (1984) found that aggression seems to be a trait consistent over time and generations. With a longitudinal study, Huesmann et al. (1984) found that aggression is a persistent trait that might be influenced by situational variables but is mostly consistent over time. Age seems to have a different relation with narcissism than with aggression, making it an interesting variable to add in future research on the relation between narcissism and aggression. By researching variables that have different relations with narcissism and aggression, we might learn more about the variables supporting the relationship. The current study has some limitations. Men and women significantly differed on several variables but the sample size was too small to do separate analysis. To find an effect size of.15 with a power of.7 a sample of 55 was needed. Because the sample only consisted of 46 men it was decided to not separate men and women in the analysis. Secondly, the overall sample size was modest with only 109 participants. Lastly, all data comes from selfreported measures, with no corroboration. On the other hand, this study also has some strong points. The power of both analyses was above.8, reducing the chance to fail in detecting an effect present. Further all three used questionnaires, the NARQ, SPSI-R and the AQ, had a high reliability (Back et al., 2013; Buss & Perry, 1992; D Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 2004). Lastly, the NARQ divides grandiose narcissism in to narcissistic admiration and narcissistic rivalry which gives more insight in the dynamic processes of narcissism, including feedback loops and contextual moderators than traditional narcissism questionnaires (Back et al., 2013). Conclusion The relationship between narcissism and aggression has been long established but the cause for this relationship remains unknown. Research has suggested many variables to play a
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 15 part in this relationship such as self-esteem and social rejection but it does not quite explain the relationship (Baumeister, Bushman, & Campbell, 2000; Twenge & Campbell, 2003). Prior research showed significant results for the relationship between narcissism and social problem solving and between social problem solving and aggression (Berkowitz, 1964; McMurran, Blair, & Egan, 2002; McMurran, Duggan, Christopher, & Huband, 2007). Although the current study could replicate some of the significant correlations, there was no significant relation between aggression and the dysfunctional social problem solving styles when controlling for narcissism. Social problem solving does not play a mediating role in the relationship between narcissism and aggression. Further research is needed to define the relationship between narcissism, aggression, social problem solving and possibly impulsivity. Studies show opposing results which makes the role of social problem solving unclear. Future research should not only focus on supporting variables for the relationship between narcissism and aggression but should also consider researching variables, such as age, that seem to speak against the relationship. Another point that should be addressed in future research is gender differences. Men and women differed significantly on almost all variables and it would be interesting to investigate whether this could cause different relations among the variables. Lastly, a better understanding of narcissism and its two sides, which can be provided by the NARQ, could be very beneficent for future research.
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NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 19 Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). The Dark Triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of Research in Personality, 36(6), 556-563. doi:10.1016/s0092-6566(02)00505-6 Reidy, D. E., Zeichner, A., Foster, J. D., & Martinez, M. A. (2008). Effect of narcissistic entitlement and exploitativeness on human physical aggression. Personality and Individual Differences, 44, 865-875. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2007.10.015 Rose, P. (2002). The happy and unhappy faces of narcissism. Personality and Individual Differences, 33(3), 379-391. doi:10.1016/s0191-8869(01)00162-3 Stucke, T. S., & Sporer, S. L. (2002). When a Grandiose Self-Image Is Threatened: Narcissism and Self-Concept Clarity as Predictors of Negative Emotions and Aggression Following Ego-Threat. Journal of Personality, 70(4), 509-532. doi:10.1111/1467-6494.05015 Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W.K. (2003). Isn t it fun to get the respect that we re going to deserve? Narcissism, social rejection, and aggression. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 29(2), 261-272. doi: 10.1177/0146167202239051 Vazire, S., & Funder, D. C. (2006). Impulsivity and the Self-Defeating Behavior of Narcissists. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 10(2), 154-165. Retrieved from: http://www.simine.com/docs/vazire_%26_funder_pspr_2006.pdf
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 20 Appendix Table 1. Means and standard deviations. Total sample (n = 109) Men (n = 46) Woman (n = 63) Narcissistic Rivalry* 18.73 (6.9) 21.34 (7.14) 16.90 (6.16) Aggression* 67.47 (15.23) 72.51 (16.55) 63.75 (13.11) Impulsive style* 14.36 (6.03) 15.95 (6.83) 13.23 (5.15) Avoidant style 8.41 (5.15) 8.91 (5.52) 8.05 (4.88) *. Significant results of two-tailed Student s t-test for testing the mean difference between men and women. p <.05 Table 2. Correlations between scales in total sample Narcissistic Aggression Impulsive style Avoidant style rivalry Narcissistic 1.30**.22*.13 rivalry Aggression 1.26**.047 Impulsive style 1.54** Avoidant style 1 *. p <.05, **. p <.01
NARCISSISM AND AGGRESSION MEDIATED BY SOCIAL PROBLEM SOLVING 21 Impulsive/ carelessness style.19*.47 Narcissistic rivalry Figure 1. Unstandardized regression coefficients for the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression as mediated by impulsive/carelessness social problem solving style. The unstandardized regression coefficient between narcissistic rivalry and aggression, controlling for impulsive/carelessness social problem solving style, is in parentheses. *p <.05.68* (.59*) Aggression avoidant style.093.026 Narcissistic rivalry Figure 2. Unstandardized regression coefficients for the relationship between narcissistic rivalry and aggression as mediated by avoidant social problem solving style. The unstandardized regression coefficient between narcissistic rivalry and aggression, controlling for avoidant social problem solving style, is in parentheses. *p <.05.66* (.65*) Aggression