Effects of Self-Concept on Narcissism: Mediational Role of Perceived Parenting

Abstract

An increase in narcissism has been reported by experts over the years. Narcissists bring a lot of negative consequences to themselves and to the people around them. This study investigates that perceived parenting leads to the development of inflated, unstable self-concept. The inflated self-concept lays the framework for the development of narcissistic traits among individuals; perceived parenting affects this relationship. A sample of 628 adults was taken from North Cyprus through purposive sampling. Scales for perceived parenting, self-concept, and narcissism were administered. Results showed that the statistically significant variance in the self-concept is explained by perceived parenting. Both mothers and fathers contributed significantly to the development of inflated self-concept. Moreover, multiple linear regression results showed a higher significant variance in narcissistic traits due to self-concept compared with perceived parenting. Mediational tests also showed that high levels of narcissistic traits were indirectly related to self-concept through perceived parenting. The study findings have challenged the notion of only mothers being responsible for narcissistic traits among their children. The study results also suggest that targeting self-concept in individuals with narcissistic traits may be a good directive for therapeutic interventions.

The Impact of Parenting on Later Development of the Narcissistic Trait

“…Monitoring and rewarding are as important as warmth and control in parenting styles to predict the development of narcissistic traits in children. Self-concept and diverse parenting styles were discussed in the study by Farzand et al to relate and predict narcissism differently in a sample of 629 adults aged between 21 to 50 [3]. Self-concept is demonstrated to have a positive correlation with narcissism.…”