Narcissism and Parenting: A Study of Narcissism and its Causes Emily O’Sullivan: Department of Music Education, College of Music and Honors College

Faculty Mentor: Angela Nievar, Department of Educational Psychology, College of Education

Narcissism is a personality disorder where there is a high level of

egotism and an over-inflated sense of self-importance, self-love and

selfishness. Narcissists desperately need admiration and approval

and they tend to be unable to empathize with others’ plights. While

it is true that a certain level of self-esteem is good, narcissists take it

to an unhealthy level. I am researching the different types of

narcissism and, more specifically, different types of parenting

related to the disorder. What different parenting tactics cause what

different types of narcissism? How young can narcissism be

diagnosed? What measures in parenting can be taken to prevent it? I

am also more specifically interested in the differences between

narcissism in men and women.

Different types of narcissism are caused by varying parenting styles. There are different negative tactics used by parents that are associated with the development of different types of narcissism.There are also some interesting differences in the determinants of narcissism in men and women (Horton, Bleau and Drwecki 365). Negative parenting tactics produce different outcomes with the different genders.

Thomaes, Bushman, De Castro, and Stegge (1233-1247) made the point that very little is definitively known about the etiology and development of narcissism. They focused on the symptoms, how people interact socially, and how narcissism affects behaviors. One interesting thing was the claim that narcissism cannot be diagnosed until at least age 8. I want to look further into that assertion. Is that the general consensus among experts? Does anyone disagree? If so, why, and what do they propose?

Timimi (6-8) looked more at narcissism in the grand scheme of things. He examined how societal conditions are capable of helping to produce narcissism. Being self-serving and “looking out for number one” is not good for society or the world in the long run and the researcher explored that theme. The authors explored the long term ramifications on society of children with low self-esteem.  

The more specific questions that I will investigate:(1) How young can narcissism really be identified? Since there are many different types of parenting that can lead to narcissism, what measures can be taken to prevent it?(2) What other factors contribute? The media parents allow the child to come into contact with, who they let watch their children, the environment set up for the child, etc.? (3) What specifically in parenting can cause which types of narcissism?

Wendy K. Wilkins, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Gloria C. Cox, Ph.D., Dean, Honors College

Susan Brown Eve, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Honors College

Angela Nievar Ph.D., Department, Educational Psychology, College of Education

• Horton, Robert, S, Geoff Bleau, and Brian Drwecki. "Narcissus: What Are the Links Between Parenting and Narcissism?" Journal of Personality 74.2 (2006): All. Academic Search Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2010.

•Thomaes, Sander, Brad J Bushman, Bram Orobio De Castro, and Hedy Stegge. "What makes narcissists bloom? A framework for research on the etiology and development of narcissism." Cambridge University Press 21.4 (2009): 1233-1247. http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2604/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=6330856&jid=&volumeId=&issueId=&aid=6330848. Web. 12 Mar. 2010.

•Timimi, Sami. "Commercialization of Children's Mental Health in the Era of Globalization." International Journal of Mental Health 38. no. 3 (2009): 6-8. Academic Search Complete (EBSCO). Web. 12 Mar. 2010.

Photographs (from to left to bottom right):•http://debroffdebrief.clubmom.com/debroff_debrief/2007/03/look_mom_im_fam.html•http://it.pinellas.k12.fl.us/teachers6/whitesta/parentlinks.html•http://parentreviewers.com/parenting-tips-and-resources/examiner-article-raising-your-voice/•http://www.momlogic.com/2009/09/spoiled_children_can_narcissists_be_created.php

I have surveyed the research literature on my topic. I am

formulating my research questions and ideas from what I

have read. I plan to move toward identifying a specific

research project with my mentor for my final thesis. I plan

to use observational data of parent/child interactions in my

thesis.

Abstract

Methodology

Literature Review

Bibliography

Acknowledgements