Narcissism and perspective taking: The mediating effect of need for control

We investigated the mediating role of need for control in the relationship between narcissism and perspective taking. A sample of 178 college students completed measures of narcissism, empathy (including empathic concern and perspective taking), need for control, and self-esteem. Results show that narcissism had a direct negative effect on perspective taking. Need for control partially mediated the relationship between narcissism and perspective taking when controlling for self-esteem. That is, participants with higher scores for narcissistic personality tended to be less motivated to take others’ perspectives. This tendency was strengthened because narcissists are more driven by power. The findings show that identification of narcissists’ need for control and application of therapy or a program to improve their perspective-taking motivation and empathetic communication, will improve their psychological functioning and social behavior.