The Examining the Role of a CBT-Informed Psychoeducational Intervention in Uncertainty Tolerance and Cognitive Flexibility among Individuals Exhibiting Narcissistic Traits
Examining the Role of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Uncertainty Tolerance and Cognitive Flexibility
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63175/tjts.53Keywords:
Cognitive behavioral therapy, Cognitive flexibility, Intolerance of uncertainty, Narcissistic traits, PsychoeducationAbstract
Background: Narcissistic personality traits are associated with cognitive rigidity, emotional dysregulation, and low tolerance for uncertainty. These characteristics may contribute to interpersonal and psychological difficulties in young adults. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)–based psychoeducation has been suggested as a promising approach for improving adaptive cognitive and emotional functioning; however, its effects regarding intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive flexibility in individuals with narcissistic tendencies remain inadequately explored.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design. The sample consisted of 24 university students aged 19–22 years, of whom 70.8% were female. Narcissistic traits were assessed using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-40), intolerance of uncertainty using the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale–Short Form (IUS-12), and cognitive flexibility with the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Twelve participants who met the study criteria participated in a CBT-based group psychoeducation program. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using paired-sample statistical tests.
Results: Following the psychoeducation program, NPI-40 scores decreased from 27.25 ± 3.92 to 23.08 ± 4.11, and IUS-12 scores decreased from 41.33 ± 6.87 to 33.17 ± 7.02, indicating reductions in narcissistic traits and intolerance of uncertainty. Cognitive flexibility scores increased from 62.42 ± 10.35 to 71.58 ± 9.88. Although these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), all outcomes showed consistent improvement in the expected direction.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that CBT-based psychoeducation may promote adaptive cognitive and emotional shifts in young adults with narcissistic traits, particularly by reducing intolerance of uncertainty and enhancing cognitive flexibility. Larger controlled studies are warranted to further clarify these effects.
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