BNI Treatment Centers of Los Angeles, an industry-leading clinic specializing in teen and adolescent mental health, recently published an educational blog on the topic of narcissism in teenagers. As experts on adolescent behavioral health, they bring extensive experience to bear on this critical yet often misunderstood topic.
The post begins by addressing this topic directly, citing a 2021 study that found 56% of teens demonstrated narcissistic traits. It asks, "When do these traits become more than just a ‘part of growing up?’ When does it become a potential reason to seek treatment?”
The blog goes on to answer these questions, breaking the broad topic down into several key elements.
First, it tackles the origins of narcissism in teenagers, discussing the wide variety of factors that can contribute. It backs this up with research, highlighting environmental factors such as parenting. “A 2015 study found a link between parental overvaluation and narcissism…children whose parents overvalued what they did were more likely to exhibit narcissistic traits.”
The authors point out that additional research hints at physiologic roots, with studies finding strong differences in brain structure between those with narcissistic traits and those without. However, they end this section by urging caution, pointing out that, “It remains unclear if these abnormalities cause narcissistic behavior, or if the narcissistic behavior causes the brain to change accordingly.”
BNI Treatment Centers go on to take this analysis a step further, discussing the differences between simply having narcissistic traits and developing a full-on Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). “Narcissistic traits are behaviors or characteristics that can be related to narcissism – self-centeredness, an inability to empathize with others, or a grandiose sense of ego,” it explains. “Teens and adolescents especially can exhibit many such behaviors.”
It contrasts this with that of NPD. “However, narcissistic personality disorder requires a variety of narcissistic traits to be met in combination over a long period of time. The key distinction tends to be the duration, intensity, and impact of the underlying narcissistic traits.”
The article highlights ways parents and guardians can identify narcissistic traits or the development of narcissistic personality disorder, emphasizing the importance of early treatment. “Someone with narcissistic personality disorder will consistently exhibit narcissistic behaviors,” it cautions soberly. “They won’t grow out of them, and they often won’t change without outside help. It’s essential to seek help for your teen, as this disorder can exist indefinitely if left untreated.”
Finally, this educational post presents tools parents and loved ones alike can use to help teens navigate and improve these behaviors. The authors empathize with the difficulties of this process, but highlight two powerful tools: upholding consistent consequences and nurturing empathy.
“Narcissists often believe they are exempt from customary rules, highlighting the necessity to set clear and firm boundaries with them. It is critical to establish straightforward rules, and ensure your teen understands both them and the repercussions should they be broken. Be consistent when enforcing the consequences. By effectively communicating why a rule is important, and then following through if it is broken, you encourage positive change.”
Empathy is instead framed as a skill for the teen to learn. “Low empathy is common among adolescents with narcissistic tendencies, but it’s not a permanent condition. Empathy can be nurtured over time,” the blog argues, “Take every opportunity to encourage your teen to see things from others’ perspectives. Cultivate empathy further by involving them in volunteer work and guiding them to read narratives that explore diverse human experiences. By developing your teen’s empathy, you enable them to understand why their behaviors may be harmful, and promote their desire to grow.”
These experts conclude their educational piece with a stark reminder: that many parents, guardians, and industry professionals are role models for teens, and those same adolescents look to them for guidance and emulation.
“You’re likely a role model for the teen you have in mind while reading this, even if they won’t admit it. It’s important for you to live out the behavior you want to see in them. Live empathetically and with humility, and demonstrate those traits whenever you can,” the blog stated.
BNI Treatment Centers was founded with a focus on providing science-based, evidence-backed, and compassion-led care for adolescents with behavioral and mental health challenges. Their highly specialist work with adolescents gives them unique insight into the challenges teens face every day. For more information about BNI Treatment Centers and their services, connect with them through their website.
###
For more information about BNI Treatment Centers Outpatient - Dorothy, contact the company here:
BNI Treatment Centers Outpatient - Dorothy
Doug Jewell
424-365-1032
doug@bnitreatment.com
28038 Dorothy Dr
Agoura Hills
CA
91301
