Story perspectives

Narcissistic Rivalry Lowers Relationship Satisfaction Over Time

4/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study in the Journal of Personality by Gwendolyn Seidman and William J. Chopik finds that narcissistic rivalry reduces satisfaction over time and does not cause an immediate decline in newer relationships.
In early-stage relationships, couples show resilience against narcissism.
The study analyzed 5,869 couples and found that overall satisfaction declined over time regardless of narcissistic traits.
Future research will examine how narcissistic behaviors undermine partners' needs for agency, competence.

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Story summary

A study in the Journal of Personality by Gwendolyn Seidman and William J. Chopik finds that narcissistic rivalry reduces satisfaction over time and does not cause an immediate decline in newer relationships.
In early-stage relationships, couples show resilience against narcissism.
The study analyzed 5,869 couples and found that overall satisfaction declined over time regardless of narcissistic traits.
Future research will examine how narcissistic behaviors undermine partners' needs for agency, competence.