Narcissistic Personality Disorder has no single known cause but is influenced by multiple risk factors. Childhood experiences like insecure attachment styles, neglectful or unequal parenting, abuse and loss increase the risk. Genetics and innate personality traits may also contribute to risk. More research is still needed to better understand the roles of genetics and personality as well as develop more effective treatment options for this difficult to treat condition.
While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, adequately describes narcissistic personality disorder, it does not, however, offer much in terms of explaining its development in individuals.
John Bowlby believed that attachments formed during childhood have an undeniable impact on adult psychopathy, and his idea was furthered by the work of Mary Ainsworth and her development of the different attachment styles (Feist & Feist, 2009). Attachment theory works on the premise that the relationship style between a parent and child can be either secure or insecure (Lyddon & Sherry, 2001).
Heinz Kohut suggested that narcissistic personality disorder develops when parents are neglectful, devaluing, or unempathetic towards the child, while Theodore Millon maintains that it actually develops from “unrealistic parental overvaluation” (Butcher, Minneka, & Hooley, 2010, p. 354).
There have been a multitude of other arguments made as to the risk factors associated with the development of NPD, and they generally deal primarily with environmental and family factors. While there are many different factors, the overall consensus is that major loss and major abuse are the two biggest contributors.
While some research has focused on the possible genetic, personality traits, and neurological aspects that may contribute to the development of NPD, it is, as of yet, hardly concrete.
Based on the previously mentioned research, it is evident that there is a multitude of possible risk factors that may play a role in the development of NPD. There is still, however, a broad area that remains inadequately researched. A more in-depth analysis of the role of genetics and inborn personality traits play, and how they interact with previously mentioned risk factors is needed. Knowledge of the risk factors involved can be helpful in identifying possible preventative interventions, therapeutic treatments, and drug options.
It is very apparent that more research is needed for this difficult personality disorder. After all, in order to properly treat NPD, it is imperative to figure out what’s behind its development first (Kluger & Song, 2003).
![Outline ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)