24 Jan Parenting Styles: The Narcissistic Parent
Parents and parenting styles play an essential role in developing a child’s mental health. Limited empirical research exists on the impact of narcissistic mothers on the mental well-being of their children. Narcissism, however, is evidence of a deep emotional wound or trauma that has not been resolved and devastates a person’s self-worth. Such damage to a parent’s defense mechanisms will inevitably influence their parenting style.
Research in the Indian Journal for Psychological Medicine in 2017 identified that 71% of children with an increased risk of psychiatric illness and hospitalization had a parent with mental illness. The study highlighted the impact of family structure and its adverse effects on the mental well-being of children. Parents with narcissistic traits interact with their children in a manner that can negatively affect their mental well-being.