Abstract

During childhood, particularly in the preschool age, narcissistic traits can be adaptive and favor an unrealistic and particularly positive self-view. However, later in development, it is possible that a narcissistic self-view may consolidate, depending mainly on external evaluations, which exposes the child to oscillate between the fear of loss and the desire to acquire signals about his or her personal value. This self-representation seems to be linked both to temperamental aspects and to parenting styles oriented towards excessive indulgence. In order to investigate the association between parental precursors (narcissism, parental overvaluation and positive and negative parenting) and the child’s development of a narcissistic self-view, in the present study a longitudinal design was implemented assessing parental precursors and one year later, the expected outcome. The research was conducted on a sample of 103 children, with a mean age at first recruitment of 9.68 years (SD = .65, range = 9-11). The results showed that maternal and paternal parenting styles have a different role in the development of the child’s narcissistic selfview. Negative maternal parenting (inconsistent and harsh discipline) and overvaluation were significant independent predictors of child’s narcissism one year later. Lastly, as a confirmation of what has already been demonstrated in the literature, results supported the idea that narcissism and self-esteem are two different constructs.