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Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
Narcissism and adjustment in preadolescence
Rachel E Pauletti1, Madhavi Menon, Meenakshi Menon
1Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
Child Development
|February 17, 2012
Summary
Narcissism in children can lead to aggression and depression. This personality trait, characterized by a need for admiration, combines with gender stereotypes or unmet grandiose self-perceptions to foster maladjustment.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Personality Traits
Background:
- Narcissism, a personality trait marked by a grandiose self and a need for admiration, is recognized as problematic in both children and adults.
- Understanding the developmental pathways of narcissism is crucial for addressing childhood maladjustment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate two intrapersonal (cognitive) pathways through which narcissism may contribute to maladjustment in preadolescent children.
- To examine the role of self-serving gender stereotypes and perceived failure in realizing a grandiose self in narcissistic children's behavior and emotional state.
Main Methods:
- A concurrent-correlational study was conducted with 236 preadolescents (mean age 11.3 years; 129 girls, 107 boys).
- The study evaluated cognitive pathways linking narcissism to maladjustment, focusing on aggression, depression, and self-perception.
Main Results:
- Findings support the proposed pathways, indicating that narcissism can interact with gender stereotypes to promote aggressive and selfish behavior.
- Narcissism also places children at risk for aggression and depression when they perceive a failure to meet their grandiose self-expectations.
Conclusions:
- Narcissism in preadolescents is linked to maladjustment through cognitive mechanisms involving gender stereotypes and self-perception of failure.
- The study illuminates the internal dynamics of narcissistic children's minds and suggests avenues for future research and intervention.
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