Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Impact of Parental Narcissistic Personality Disorder on Parent-Child Relationship Quality and Child Well-Being: A
Eirini Orovou1, Vaidas Jotautis2, Eleni Vousoura3
1Midwifery, University of Western Macedonia, Ptolemaida, GRC.
Insights
Parental narcissism negatively impacts child development and relationships. Differentiating narcissism subtypes is key to understanding risks and guiding interventions for better child mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Parental narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and traits are linked to adverse parenting and disrupted child development.
- Existing research on parental narcissism's effects on child mental health is inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize quantitative research (2015-2024) on parental NPD and traits' impact on parent-child relationships and child psychological outcomes.
- To examine how narcissism subtypes and facets influence these outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of empirical studies.
- Search of major electronic databases for research published between 2015 and 2024.
- Analysis of eight eligible empirical studies.
Main Results:
- Parental narcissism is associated with poorer child relational and psychological outcomes.
- Antagonistic grandiose narcissism links to conflictual relationships; agentic facets have context-dependent effects.
- Vulnerable narcissism is linked to child maladjustment via attachment insecurity and maladaptive parenting.
Conclusions:
- Differentiating narcissism subtypes and facets is crucial for understanding impact on children.
- Identifying relational mediators clarifies risk pathways for targeted interventions.
- Findings highlight the need for tailored preventive and clinical strategies for families affected by parental narcissism.
Abstract:
Parental narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and narcissistic traits have been increasingly implicated in maladaptive parenting behaviors, emotional unavailability, and disrupted parent-child relationships, all of which are critical determinants of children's psychological and relational development. Despite growing clinical concern, empirical findings on the impact of parental narcissism on child mental health and attachment-related outcomes remain fragmented and conceptually inconsistent. This review synthesizes quantitative research published between 2015 and 2024 to examine the effects of parental NPD and narcissistic traits on parent-child relationship quality and child psychological outcomes. A systematic search of major electronic databases identified eight eligible empirical studies. Across studies, parental narcissism was associated with poorer relational and psychological outcomes in children, with effects varying by narcissism subtype, trait facet, and developmental context. Antagonistic facets of grandiose narcissism were consistently linked to colder and more conflictual parent-child relationships, whereas agentic facets showed neutral or context-dependent associations. Vulnerable narcissism was more strongly associated with child maladjustment through mechanisms such as attachment insecurity, scapegoating, and maladaptive parenting practices. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of differentiating narcissism subtypes and identifying relational mediators to clarify pathways of risk and to inform targeted preventive and clinical interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Relationship with Parents: Attachment
01:26Personality Disorders: Narcissistic and Avoidant
Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic individuals exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance and an excessive need for admiration. They are often...
00:55Parental Care
01:27Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...