Research Proposal

Kelsea Vance

Cassidy Picken 

English 100

17 November 2019

Research Proposal: Narcissism in Parents

Narcissism in parenting is common and hard to spot without deep knowledge of the family and the signs of such a disorder. Emotional abuse is not easily noticed and often dismissed by older generations. Questions surrounding the issue often have foggy and unclear answers due to the lack of available research. School counselors often dismiss cries for help from students and further teach children to remain silent on domestic abuse. The long term impact of having to re-parent oneself is not compared to those who don’t. Professional help isn’t available or offered to those in these situations unless one is in crisis. I’d like to look into professional studies surrounding the impacts of these detrimental relationships and the impact of being raised without a nurturing parent. What drew me to this specific issue is my personal experience with a malfunctioning family during the rise of mental health awareness. I plan on opening with a personal anecdote from my childhood to exemplify the severity and urgency of the issue. A couple questions I would like to explore are: How does a child of narcissistic parents re-parent themselves? and/or Because narcissistic parents are often in denial, what is the best way to inform them of their missteps? Empathy is hard to instill in adults as their development is ‘complete’. Denial is taught to children and carried through the family tree. Is it possible for a narcissist to self acknowledge and work towards change or is the denial and pride so deeply rooted that any sentiment of change is impossible? My approach to conquering the topic is that of a personal connection. 

While personal experience and an inside view is not enough, I’d like to explore why therapy and narcissism is said to run hand in hand and why therapy alone is not a solution to narcissism. Therapy only works if one is willing to change. Narcissism allows no personal insight. These two statements clash as a narcissist sees no reason to change other than what they hear from loved ones. The narcissistic spectrum includes everyone in one way or another. The developmental stage in young children that cultivates self-esteem and worth may be the pin point in NPD and is something I plan to explore. 

What I hope to achieve with my research is a way to move forward with an estranged father. I would like to spread awareness about NPD in parents and how to unlearn the harmful self doubt they cultivate.