Effects of Self-Concept on Narcissism: Mediational Role of Perceived Parenting
Abstract Background: Increase in narcissism has been a growing concern over the years. Narcissists bring lot of negative consequences to themselves and to people around them. The present study aimed at exploring effects of perceived parenting and self-concept in the development of narcissistic traits and how adults view themselves and recollect parenting effects throughout their lives in order to guide the interventions accordingly. Method: A sample of 628 adults were taken from North Cyprus and Turkey who can comprehend and write English language. Information demographic form, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) for perceived parenting, Six Factor Self Concept Scale (SFSCS) for self-concept and Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) for narcissism were administered for the purpose of data collection. Results: Several constituents of perceived parenting and self-concept interconnect in order to exhibit the distinctive narcissistic traits of an individual. The results of the present showed that perceived parenting specifically perceived parental involvement as well as positive parenting mediate the relationship between self-concept and narcissism among adults. The higher the involvement, the more inflated self-concept was found leading to the development of narcissistic traits. Perceived parenting received from fathers also was found to statistically significant contribution to the development of inflated self-concept and narcissism. Conclusion: It provides the basis for the therapeutic interventions to be focusing on the self-concept of narcissistic individuals along with parenting experiences. The study findings also have challenged the notion of only mothers to be responsible for narcissistic traits among their children.