Pathological narcissism, interpersonal cognitive distortions, and workplace bullying among nurses: A cross-sectional study

Aim: The aim of this work is to examine whether nurses' pathological narcissism and interpersonal cognitive distortions predict workplace bullying when controlling for organizational culture, work-related factors, and demographic variables.

Background: To eradicate workplace bullying, a multifaceted holistic approach to identify potential predictors is needed. Nurses' narcissistic behaviours negatively affect collegial relationships and the organization. Furthermore, interpersonal cognitive distortions have been demonstrated to directly affect bullying and victimization.

Methods: Responses from 236 nurses to an online survey were analysed. The Pathological Narcissism Inventory, Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale, Positive Nursing Organizational Culture Measurement Tool, and The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised were used to measure the key variables.

Results: A multiple regression analysis revealed that pathological narcissism (β = .33, p < .001) had the greatest effect on nurses' workplace bullying, followed by positive organizational culture (β = -.31, p < .001), interpersonal cognitive distortions (β = .17, p = .028), marital status (β = -.15, p = .020), and position (β = -.12, p = .047).

Conclusions: Although prejudice or stigma surrounding narcissistic personalities should be avoided, nurses should be aware of and manage such characteristics so that they do not become a factor in workplace bullying.

Implications for nursing management: There is a need to protect nurses from workplace bullying and create a positive organizational culture by recognizing narcissistic traits and preparing intervention strategies that support improvement.