Parenting Styles Can Contribute to NPD in Children, Doctor Says

Parenting styles may play a role in the development of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) in children, according to a specialist doctor. Dr. Angga Wirahmadi, a pediatrician specializing in child development, explained that NPD is a clinical mental health disorder, distinct from simple vanity, which significantly impacts how individuals perceive themselves and interact with others.

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Can parents who exemplify bad behavior cause their children to have NPD as adults? That is very possible.

Dr. Wirahmadi clarified that NPD is not caused by a single factor but results from a complex interplay of various influences. "Can parents who exemplify bad behavior cause their children to have NPD as adults? That is very possible," he stated during a webinar hosted by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI). However, he stressed that mental health conditions arise from a combination of individual, family, school, and environmental factors.

Beyond parenting, Dr. Wirahmadi noted that social media, environmental conditions, experiences such as war or natural disasters, poverty, and economic status can all contribute to mental health outcomes. "So we cannot say there is only one cause, but rather multifactorial interactions," he explained.

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So we cannot say there is only one cause, but rather multifactorial interactions.

The doctor urged the public not to hastily label individuals as having NPD. He emphasized that a formal diagnosis by a professional is necessary to confirm the condition. "And of course, we must diagnose it first, then gradually find the root cause. To then find the appropriate treatment steps according to the patient's needs," Dr. Wirahmadi concluded.

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And of course, we must diagnose it first, then gradually find the root cause. To then find the appropriate treatment steps according to the patient's needs.