Too Much Praise Promotes Narcissism - Scientific American Study Notes

Overview of Narcissism and Praise in Parenting

  • Title: Too Much Praise Promotes Narcissism

  • Author: Andrea Alfano

  • Published on: June 1, 2015 in Scientific American

Introduction to the Study

  • Purpose: To explore how parenting styles, particularly praise, affect narcissism in children.

  • Research Context: Conducted by psychologists from University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University.

  • Type of Study: First longitudinal study on the origins of intense feelings of superiority in children.

Key Findings

  • General Observation: Parenting styles greatly influence whether a child becomes confident or develops narcissistic traits.

  • Study Participants: 565 children, aged 7-11 years.

  • Methodology:   - Conducted multiple surveys over 18 months measuring:     - Self-esteem     - Narcissism     - Parental warmth   - Children responded to statements like "kids like me deserve something extra."   - Parents completed reciprocal surveys on their child-rearing approaches.

  • Results:   - Children of parents who excessively praised them were more likely to score higher in narcissistic traits but not necessarily higher in self-esteem.   - Parent warmth did not show a correlation with increased narcissism.

Implications of Results

  • Causal Insight: Positive feedback needs to be conditional on good behavior rather than given indiscriminately.

  • Expert Consensus: Luke Hyde, a psychologist not involved in the study, emphasizes the importance of this conditional praise.

  • Cultural Context:   - A 2008 meta-analysis highlighted rising narcissism in young adults in the West.   - Found to relate partly to cultural emphasis on praise intended to boost self-esteem.

Theories of Narcissism Development

  • Two Dominant Theories:   - Neglect Theory: Attributes narcissism to lack of affection from parents.   - Praise Theory: Links narcissism to overpraising children and placing them on a pedestal.

  • Research Support: Findings support the Praise Theory regarding narcissistic traits.

Definitions and Distinctions

  • Narcissistic Personality Traits: Include a desire for admiration, entitlement, and self-importance.

  • Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A psychological condition characterized by an impaired ability to function daily; clinicians refrain from diagnosing this in children due to unclear onset age.

  • Study Focus: Research addressed narcissistic personality traits rather than personality disorder to avoid misdiagnosis.

Broader Context

  • Controversy in Psychology: Ongoing debate about the definition and origins of narcissism; consistent findings regarding parenting effects.

Conclusion

  • Key Takeaway: Well-intentioned praise can have counterproductive effects, leading to the development of narcissistic qualities in children.