Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) has gained public attention over the past decade, with many understanding its basic traits. The article discusses how pathological narcissism may arise from normal childhood needs not being met. Children, born helpless, rely on caregivers to learn emotional regulation and self-identity. When this process is disrupted, it leads to an exaggerated search for narcissistic supplies and a fragile sense of self. Influential theorists like Charles Horton Cooley illustrate through the Looking Glass Self how individuals internalize perceptions from others, which can particularly distort a narcissist's self-concept due to their vulnerability.
Children learn to soothe themselves through experiences of being soothed by caregivers; those who fail to do so may seek validation externally, often leading to narcissism.
The Looking Glass Self theory by Cooley shows how we form our identities based on perceived perceptions of others, which can distort a narcissist's self-view.
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