The emergence of narcissism and self-esteem: A social-cognitive approach^*

* Invited submission to European Journal of Developmental Psychology, based on a presentation given at the 18th European Conference on Developmental Psychology for receiving the Butterworth Young Scientist Award.

Abstract

What separates narcissism from self-esteem, and what sparks their development? This article proposes that narcissism and self-esteem are underpinned by distinct core beliefs – beliefs about the nature of the self, of others, and of the relationship between the self and others. These beliefs (1) arise early in development, (2) are cultivated by distinct socialization experiences, and (3) can be targeted through precise interventions so as to simultaneously curb narcissism and raise self-esteem. Recognizing the distinction between narcissism and self-esteem will help parents, teachers, and practitioners nurture healthy feelings of self-worth in children from an early age.

Keywords:

• Narcissism
• self-esteem
• development
• socialization
• intervention

Notes

* Invited submission to European Journal of Developmental Psychology, based on a presentation given at the 18th European Conference on Developmental Psychology for receiving the Butterworth Young Scientist Award.