If you've ever encountered a narcissist, you may have asked: "What made him like that?"
Thank you, psychotherapist. Brianna Paruolo spoke exclusively about DailyMail.com about what really causes narcissism... and according to the expert, it all starts in childhood.
A recent study in Journal of Personalities showed that social rejection in early childhood can lead to narcissistic characteristics.
The study explained that this early exposure to ostracism causes feelings loneliness, which can then turn into narcissism and "dark features" others.
By Paruolo explained that social rejection alone cannot be determined as the main cause of narcissism.
"While rejection can contribute to narcissism for some children, many others cope with rejection and do very well," Paruolo said.
So what makes the difference between a child who becomes a narcissist and a child who grows up to be an emotionally healthy adult?
Paruolo said that this has a lot to do with the support system this child has.
"Children who have at least one caring adult who helps them understand that rejection has nothing to do with their worth can usually cope well," she explained.
"Children without this support may develop protective shields like narcissism."
She emphasized that adults' reaction to anxious children's feelings has a big impact.
Also, narcissism It is not just a consequence of a single triggering event. It is usually a combination of several factors.
Many of these factors have to do with the child's relationship with his parents, as Paruolo claims that unsafe parenting seems to be a major factor in children growing up to become narcissistic adults.
"This happens when parents go from treating them as perfect and special to being cold or critical," she said. – reports GazetaExpress.
According to Paruolo, what happens is that the child learns to hold on to the feeling of being special to avoid feelings of helplessness.
And because hold on to this feeling, it becomes a dominant characteristic of their personality.
How can we recognize a child who shows signs of narcissism?
Paruolo explained that, if your child often has a sense of entitlement, doesn't show much interest in the feelings of others, or doesn't know how to accept criticism, may be showing early signs of narcissism.
Other signs include excessive aggression when they are disappointed, perfectionism that becomes very fragile when they fail, and of course, cannot admit their mistakes.
But noticing these signs doesn't mean your child is destined to become a narcissistic adult.
Paruolo explained that there are several actions that parents can take to help children work with their emotions.
“Validate feelings without making rejection seem like the end of the world,” she advised.
She added that it is important to show children how to manage frustration in a healthy way.
She suggested that parents teach their children that Self-worth is not tied to popularity., and of course, offering love unconditionally it's a good step to start.
Parents cannot have complete control over how their children will turn out as adults, but they do have the ability to create opportunities for their child's emotional and social success.
And making sure they're not feeding unhealthy emotional patterns, they can avoid sending another narcissistic person into the world. /Express newspaper/
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