THE ROLE OF PARENTING AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NARCISSISTIC TRAITS

Abstract

This review investigates the intricate relationship between parenting styles, social relationships, and the development of narcissistic traits. It aims to synthesize existing research and theoretical perspectives to provide insights into personality development. The study employed a qualitative content analysis of peer-reviewed articles, identified through comprehensive database searches. Key themes extracted included the significant influence of parental overvaluation and invalidation, the impact of parental narcissism, gender differences in narcissistic expression, and the amplifying role of societal and cultural factors, particularly social media. The findings suggest that narcissism has complex roots, challenging simplistic views and highlighting the need for comprehensive, biopsychosocial interventions. A limitation is the reliance on existing literature, predominantly in English and from Western contexts, which may limit generalizability and the ability to establish causal links due to the prevalence of cross-sectional studies.