HOW TO RECOGNISE AND MANAGE PATOLOGICAL NARCISSISM IN CHILDHOOD?

Abstract

This paper represents an attempt to answer some questions that concern pathological narcissism in childhood. Specifically, which are some of the possible causes of pathological narcissism, where are the limits of normal and pathological narcissism, what are the manifestations of its pathological form in childhood and also eventual strategies for its management. Theorists and clinicians in this area agree that the narcissism represent the normal phase in child development. On the other hand, pathological form of narcissism also has its origins in the earliest period of one’s life (even as early as 7 or 8 years of life) and it can be rooted in broad spectre of dysfunctional interactions with parents. Pathological narcissism can be reflected through the idea that child is really superior to others and beyond criticism and failure, grandiose view of himself/herself, through excessive demands that parents cannot meet. One of typical manifestation is inability to sustain efforts at school or during the activities involving learning new skills. Beside parents, teachers can and must be involved in the processes of identification and application of interventions oriented toward correction of problematics behaviour.

Keywords

• narcissism
• pathological manifestations
• parental and teacher involvement
• management strategies