This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
MENTAL HEALTH: Are you raising a narcissist? ¶
Published on September 18, 2019, by AMANI COUNSELLORS
As we continue to discuss mental health awareness, it's essential to examine the factors that contribute to narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). This mental disorder can be challenging to identify, especially since individuals with NPD are often high achievers and fully functional.
One of the key characteristics of NPD is an inflated sense of self, or grandiosity. People with NPD believe they are special and unique, and everyone should listen to them and do their bidding. They have difficulty seeing things from another person's perspective and become enraged when opposed, criticized, or given negative feedback.
Research suggests that both genetic and upbringing factors contribute to the development of NPD. As a parent or guardian, it's crucial to watch for excessive praise or criticism of children, as both extremes have been associated with narcissistic tendencies.
Children who grow up in an environment with excessive praise and admiration for good behavior, perceived good looks, or achievement may develop a sense of entitlement, expecting everyone to treat them superiorly. On the other hand, children who are constantly criticized may develop fragile egos and become sensitive to criticism in adulthood.
To prevent the development of NPD in children, it's essential to balance affirmation and reality while raising them. This can be achieved by teaching children how to empathize from an early age, understanding the significance of kindness and being humane. Additionally, children can be taught age-appropriate anger management techniques to prevent negative ways of handling anger from becoming reinforced.
Amani Counsellors work at the Amani Counselling and Training Institute, promoting mental health through clinical services, training, and tailor-made workshops and seminars. If you have a question for Amani Counsellors, please email them.
