1
Department of Psychology, Eurasia University, Trabzon, Türkiye
2
Department of Psychology, Üsküdar University, Istanbul, Türkiye
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and narcissism subtypes (grandiose and vulnerable narcissism). The sample consisted of 189 participants aged between 18 and 50 years. Data were collected using the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form 3 (YSQ-SF3), the Metacognitions Questionnaire-30 (MCQ-30), and the Five-Factor Narcissism Scale. Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analyses were conducted to analyze the data. The findings indicated significant positive associations between early maladaptive schemas and metacognitive beliefs. Metacognitive beliefs were significantly related to vulnerable narcissism, whereas no significant relationship was found with grandiose narcissism. Regression analyses revealed that the schema domains of impaired autonomy and unrelenting standards significantly predicted vulnerable narcissism, while impaired limits significantly predicted grandiose narcissism. Mediation analyses demonstrated that metacognitive beliefs partially mediated the relationship between schema domains and vulnerable narcissism. Overall, the results suggest that vulnerable narcissism is more closely associated with schema-based vulnerability and maladaptive metacognitive processes. This study is noteworthy in that it highlights the importance of addressing narcissism not only within the context of personality traits but also within the framework of cognitive and metacognitive processes. In particular, the finding that vulnerable narcissism is associated with early maladaptive schemas and dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs contributes to a better understanding of the cognitive mechanisms underlying narcissistic structures. Furthermore, demonstrating the mediating role of metacognitive beliefs supports the influence of metacognitive processes in the maintenance of psychopathology and indicates that clinical interventions should focus not only on schemas but also on individuals’ beliefs about their own thinking processes. In this respect, the study is important as it provides a theoretical basis for the integrated evaluation of schema therapy and metacognitive therapy approaches.
Keywords
Early maladaptive schemas,narcissism,metacognitive beliefs
How to Cite
Ince, I., & Narter, M. (2026). The mediating role of metacognitive beliefs in the relationship between early maladaptive schemas and grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. International Journal of Eurasia Social Sciences, 17(64), 446–456. https://doi.org/10.70736/ijoess.2343
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Meltem Narter
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