From perceived maternal narcissism to anger expression: the role of borderline personality traits

Aims: Although the interpersonal challenges linked to narcissism are well recognized, their expressions in the context of parent-child relationships remain understudied. This study aimed to explore the relationships between perceived maternal narcissism (PMN), traits of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and anger, as well as the mediating effect of BPD on the relationship between PMN and anger. Methods: The Perceived Maternal Narcissism Scale (PMNS), the Borderline Personality Questionnaire (BPQ), and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) self-report scales were administered to a non-clinical sample of 434 adults in Turkiye. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 27, along with Process Macro 4.2. Results: The findings reveal significant correlations among PMN, BPD, and anger. PMN is a strong predictor of trait anger and anger-in and anger-out styles of expression, and BPD mediates each of these relationships. Conclusion: These results align with the broader literature on parent-child relationships, adverse childhood experiences, personality disorders, and emotional expressions, significantly contributing to the existing research by revealing PMN’s direct influence on anger and identifying BPD as a key mediator.