The purpose of this study was to explore the mediating effect of ambivalence over emotional expressiveness on the relationship between covert narcissistic tendency of adults in their twenties and the satisfaction of interpersonal relations.

194 male and female adults in their twenties completed the self-report questionnaires on covert narcissism, ambivalence over emotional expressiveness, and interpersonal satisfaction. A mediated model was tested using the SPSS Macro by Hayes.

We verified that the ambivalence over emotional expressiveness played a mediating role in the relationship between covert narcissistic tendency and interpersonal satisfaction. In terms of the characteristics of relationship, except for the superior person, the relationship between lover/spouse and friends/colleagues showed the mediating effect between covert narcissism and interpersonal satisfaction.

The covert narcissistic tendency itself affects low interpersonal satisfaction, but the ambivalence over emotional expressiveness affects low interpersonal satisfaction when the covert narcissist interacts with lover/spouse, friends/colleagues. We discussed the directions of intervention for the covert narcissist having low satisfaction in relationships, limitations and future suggestions of this research.

This research focuses on ambivalence over emotional expressiveness of college students. It was expected to provide basic data that can be used in the development of related strategies to identify the influence of ambivalence over emotional expressiveness on self-efficacy and interpersonal relationship.

We selected 282 students who completed a questionnaire about general characteristics, ambivalence over emotional expressiveness, self-efficacy, and interpersonal relationship tools. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and regression analysis.

Overall ambivalence over emotional expressiveness and ambivalence over positive emotional expressiveness of those who lived alone or in dormitory were statistically significantly higher than living with their families or relatives. Ambivalence over positive emotional expressiveness had significant negative effect on self-efficacy. Overall ambivalence over emotional expressiveness and ambivalence over positive emotional expressiveness had significant negative effects on interpersonal relationship.

To develop strategies enhancing self-efficacy and interpersonal relationship for college students, it is necessary to develop a strategy that can improve ambivalence over positive emotional expressiveness on self-efficacy. There is a need for strategies that improves both ambivalence over positive emotional expressiveness and ambivalence over positive emotional expressiveness on interpersonal relationship.