“Narcissus weeps to find that his Image does not return his love.” ~ Mason Cooley
Though there is no single known cause for narcissistic personality disorder, there are several factors that may be associated with the development of the recognized disorder, according to my research.
It’s all about loss, in some way or another – sort of – whether it’s a loss of a “normal” experience, or a loss of the ability to become self-sufficient in one way or another.
For example, researchers say the following circumstances could increase the chances of narcissistic personality disorder developing during a person’s lifetime.
- Severe emotional abuse in childhood
- Unpredictable or negligible neglect by caregivers in childhood
- Excessive pampering or praise in childhood
- Excessive criticism for poor behaviors in childhood
- An oversensitive temperament at birth.
- Genetic abnormalities impacting psychobiology (connection between brain and behavior)
Do you think you know someone with narcissistic personality disorder? Check out the top 10 warning signs that you’re being gaslighted, or learn more about NPD.
You might also want to check out my Narcissism Support Coach Resource Center, packed with free options for self-treatment and coaching for victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse in relationships.
Know or love a narcissist? Share your experiences in the comments section, and if you haven’t already, please fill out my narcissism in relationships survey, right here.
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Angela Atkinson is a Certified Life Coach and the author of more than 20 books on narcissism, narcissistic abuse recovery and related topics. A recognized expert on narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder who has studied and written extensively on narcissistic relationships since 2006, Atkinson was inspired to begin her work as a result of having survived toxic relationships of her own.
Atkinson offers trauma-informed coaching and has certifications in life coaching, level 2 therapeutic model, CBT coaching, integrative wellness coaching, and NLP. She is a certified trauma support coach and certified family trauma professional. She also has a professional PTSD counseling certification. Her mission is to help those who have experienced the emotional and mental devastation that comes with narcissistic abuse in these incredibly toxic relationships to (re)discover their true selves, stop the gaslighting and manipulation and move forward into their genuine desires – into a life that is exactly what they choose for themselves.
Along with her solution-focused life coaching experience, Atkinson’s previous career in journalism and research helps her to offer both accurate and understandable information for survivors of abuse in a simple-to-understand way that helps to increase awareness in the narcissistic abuse recovery community. Atkinson founded QueenBeeing.com Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Support, the SPANily Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Support Groups and the Life Makeover Academy. In her life coaching practice, Atkinson’s clients enjoy her personalized approach that allows and encourages them to become the best possible versions of themselves and to succeed in doing what they love most. She offers individual and group coaching for victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse at NarcissisticAbuseRecovery.Online and NarcissismSupportCoach.com.
