How Narcissists Are Made: Understanding the Roots of Narcissism

Narcissism exists on a spectrum, with up to 10% of the population meeting criteria for NPD (Grijalva et al., 2015). Research shows it develops through a mix of genetics, brain structure, and childhood experiences, particularly inconsistent parenting, emotional neglect, and trauma (Brummelman et al., 2015). Some survivors internalize pain and become vulnerable to abuse, while others externalize it, developing manipulative and controlling behaviors. Because narcissists rarely seek therapy or change, their patterns are predictable, making awareness key to protecting yourself.