Relationship Between Narcissism and Unforgiveness Among Indian Adults: A Mixed Methods Investigation

Background and Purpose: Narcissism is characterized by grandiosity and is associated with various psychological challenges. Narcissists often avoid forgiveness and cling to emotions that reinforce their self-image. This study examined the relationship between narcissism and unforgiveness in Indian adults. Materials and Methods: Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, 197 participants aged 20 to 40 completed the narcissism personality inventory and unforgiveness measure in the quantitative phase. The data were analyzed using the Pearson product-moment method. Using percentile ranks, 36 extreme scorers on the narcissism measure (18 higher than above the 75th percentile and 18 lower than below the 25th percentile) were chosen from Doctor Harisingh Gour University, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India, for a telephone interview in the qualitative phase to examine differences in unforgiveness. The interview questions were related to the causes of unforgiveness. Results: A total of 197 participants aged 19 to 39 years (Mean±SD: 28.43±6.28 y) participated in the first study phase, while 36 participants (Mean±SD: 29.67±5.78 y) were chosen for the second phase. The results showed a weak positive correlation (r=0.041, P=0.570) between narcissism and unforgiveness. In the qualitative phase, differences emerged in how people with high and low narcissism scorers described the causes of unforgiveness. People with high narcissism scores cited ignorance, betrayal, and breach of trust as the leading causes. In contrast, people with low narcissism scores tended to forgive most offenses. Still, they cited serious crimes such as harassment, sexual assault, and physical or verbal abuse as significant reasons for their unforgiveness. Conclusion: The study found a positive correlation between narcissism and unforgiveness among Indian adults, indicating a minimal association. However, qualitative data showed that high-level narcissists often cited betrayal and breaches of trust as significant causes of unforgiveness. In contrast, low-level narcissists cited serious offenses such as harassment and abuse.