The Origins of Narcissism
Take our Narcissism Test
Find a therapist who understands narcissism.
Understanding the origins of narcissism allows us to try and prevent it.
A primary attachment figure's continuous type of response or non-response determines the attachment style.
An insecure attachment style is the predictor of narcissism in adulthood.
Everyone has narcissistic tendencies, yet if these tendencies are extreme, they prevent a person from being an emotionally safe person in a close relationship, meaning it is difficult for them to perspective-take, have empathy in place of sympathy, be truly accountable, look in the mirror, and be aware of how their words and actions impact loved ones. They may also have a victim stance which protects them from having to take accountability because they rewrite history and place themselves as the “victim” in the scenario and you as the “villain.” This may lead them to unfairly attack and mischaracterize you. Yet, when all the smoke disappears, they move on like nothing ever happened.
You suffer significantly, and they have no idea that they are continually hurting you because they distort things to view themselves as innocent. However, their lack of self-awareness and distortions cannot excuse their emotional mistreatment of others. Nor can you continue to enable them at your cost. It is an impossible situation.
However, if people are educated on the origins of narcissism, where it starts, and how it happens, they can identify ways to protect themselves. More importantly, as a culture, we can try to prevent it from happening in the first........
