Narcissism, Parenting, Complex Trauma: The Emotional Consequences Created for Children by Narcissistic Parents

Dr. Donna Mahoney Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Lucy Rickspoone Illinois School of Professional Psychology
Jennifer C. Hull National Louis University

Keywords: complex trauma, narcissistic parents, complementarity, self psychology, intersubjective systems theory, traumatic narcissism

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the developmental and clinical implications related to the traumatic impact narcissistic parents have on their children’s emerging identity and relational functioning. Complex trauma, or developmental trauma as it is often termed, will then be linked to traumatic narcissism, as it is assumed that traumatic narcissism itself is a particular form of attachment-related trauma. Psychoanalytic theory, and particularly self psychological theory, was chosen due to its emphasis on narcissism, and its usefulness in relation to restoring regulation (particularly of shame) and repairing early developmental disruptions. Following this section, the researchers outline the main findings of relevant classical and contemporary research. A clinical case is then presented to highlight the traumatic impact of narcissism and to demonstrate that self-psychological theory, and intersubjectivity theory in particular, can be applied to expand our understanding of traumatic narcissism.

Keywords: complex trauma, narcissistic parents, complementarity, self psychology, intersubjective systems theory, traumatic narcissism.

Author Biographies

Dr. Donna Mahoney, Illinois School of Professional Psychology

Dr. Donna Mahoney is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University, Schaumburg. Her research interests include integrative psychological therapy and anxiety disorders.

Lucy Rickspoone, Illinois School of Professional Psychology

Lucy Rickspoone is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Argosy University, Schaumburg. She holds a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Adler University. Her clinical interests involve relational decision making and adjustment disorders.

Jennifer C. Hull, National Louis University

Jennifer C. Hull is a doctoral candidate in Disability and Equity in Education at National Louis University. She holds a Master's degree in Human Services/Counseling from National Louis University. Her clinical interests involve issues involving compassion, empathy, and reduction of systemic violence

Published

2016-04-28

Issue

Vol 5 No 1 (2016): The Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling & Professional Psychology

Section

Articles

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