Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Victim or Survivor?

Gano-Wyers, Ella

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Victim or Survivor? Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/db78td732

Abstract

This research paper delves into the impact of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) in caregiver-child relationships. I challenge the notion of "unconditional love" and discuss the difficulty of discussing caregiver emotional abuse. The paper focuses on the psychological abuse of children such as: adultification, parentification, and triangulation. I look at the damage caused to a child’s autonomy, self-confidence, and the increased risks for anxiety and depression for those children as they grow older. The origins of NPD are much debated, and research is hampered due to difficulty in diagnosis, as those with NPD are rarely introspective or seek therapy.

This paper also looks at how praise reinforces narcissistic tendencies through social media. Technological advancements have had a profound impact on societal behavior and have fundamentally reshaped contemporary communication, fostering a culture valued on self-promotion, external validation, and digital affirmation. Social media has become a narcissist’s playground.

The exploration of psychoanalytic and historical perspectives on leadership, focusing on the link between narcissism and successful leadership, is also discussed. Narcissistic tendencies can prove successful in entrepreneurial ventures, yet when placed in the public eye and exemplified by political figures like Trump, these behaviors are accepted and normalized in contemporary society. These complex dynamics shape modern attitudes towards narcissistic behavior, which can morph into collective narcissistic thought forms.

"Papercuts" explores the imperfect family dynamics of a young woman, Jacklynne, and her father, Joel. Utilizing discontinuous scenes, the film portrays the maze of fractured trust, scrutiny, and scars in a family affected by narcissistic tendencies.

The film draws connections between individual experiences and societal trends, linking the rise of narcissistic traits to broader social phenomena, such as the influence of social media on communication patterns. Overall, "Papercuts" and the accompanying research contribute insights into the complexities of family dynamics and the lasting effects of narcissistic behaviors on individuals and society.

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