According to the DSM 5, it identifies individuals who have Narcissistic Personality Disorder lack the ability to empathize with other people and the primary belief that the world revolves around them Narcissistic individuals tend to have higher self-esteem characterized by their sense of grandiosity. Heinz Kohut that it is natural for children to undergo the primitive stage of grandiosity, children develop a sense of inkling that everything and all needs revolve around them. Ronningstam (2011) mentioned that it is important for the primary caregivers of children to do some agreeing in the child’s grandiosity. This is approving to the child’s claims aids in the development of the child’s self-worth and self-esteem.
As a child develops in life, his or her grandiose thinking decreases due to realistic circumstances in life. Kohut and Kurnberg (1978) further added in their theory that parents who are disapproving and being unsympathetic of their child puts him or her at a higher risk of developing a personality disorder, due to the tendency to look for affirmation from other people. Freeman et al. (2000) added that the development of pathological narcissism maybe due to impairment of the quality in the relationship between the primary caregivers, when they fail to establish an empathetic relationship, thus, affects the formulation of the child’s self-image and connection with other people.
Another theory pertaining to Narcissistic Personality Disorder is Theodore Milon’s claim that narcissistic personality disorder is the result of unrealistic approval from the parents. Milon mentioned that parents who overvalue their children provide the children with an unrealistic and at times unhealthy image of their self-image. Over-exaggeration of value leads to children to be self-absorbed, controlling and unappreciative of other people. Ronningstam mentioned that narcissistic people does not react to criticism very well; thus, they use different strategies to protect themselves even at the expense of other people.
Both theories shows two different views regarding the probable cause of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, however, what is common between the two is that it highlights the importance of the primary caregivers to the child’s health development. It is important for the caregivers, mostly the parents, to strike a balance between appreciating and making the child know the reality of his or her actions. Too much praising or the lack of it will affect the child’s mental development and may render him or her prone to developing a personality disorder.
References:
Ronningstam E .Narcissistic personality disorder: a clinical perspective (2011)
Freeman, A,et al.. "The Challenges in Diagnosing Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Difficult to Define, but "We Know It When We See It"". Clinical Forum. 2000
Ronningstam E.Identifying and understanding the narcissistic personality. Oxfard University Press Inc.
