The Depression and Marital Distress: Assessing the Predictive Role of Narcissistic Features

Abstract

The present study focused on investigating the predictive role of narcissistic features concerning marital distress and depressive symptomology. Sample of the study comprised two hundred diagnosed depressive married individuals (N=200). Data was obtained from conveniently selected diagnosed depressed females (n= 108) and males (n= 92) from public and Government sector hospitals and clinics in Mansehra, Abbottabad, and Islamabad cities. The Urdu version of the Marital Quality scale and Narcissistic Vampire checklist was used to assess narcissistic features and marital distress. Results revealed that narcissistic features significantly predicted marital distress among individuals with depression. Similarly, gender differences revealed that females had more narcissistic features and displayed more marital distress as compared to males. Moreover, depressive patients with a longer duration of courtship exhibited more marital distress feelings and attitudes toward their partners. The current study result will be helpful to couple/family therapists and clinicians in planning and dealing with material distress and related psychological issues among individuals with depression.