Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Teens: Risk Factors & Causes of Narcissism in Teens
If you were to ask a mental health professional what causes narcissism, the answer might begin with something like, “How long have you got?” While this response may sound flippant at first, it reflects just how complicated this condition really is.
There isn’t a single risk factor for narcissistic personality disorder in teens, and if you’re already worried about your teenager’s behavior, this might feel frustrating and even a little overwhelming.
The good news is you don’t have to piece together the puzzle of narcissism on your own. A mental health professional can help you better understand the symptoms of narcissism in your teen and whether treatment is necessary.
This guide can also work as a useful tool for understanding the risk factors for narcissistic personality disorder in teens, as it covers:
- What NPD is
- Whether teens can be diagnosed with NPD
- The potential causes of NPD
- Where to get help for your teen
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
NPD is the clinical diagnosis given when narcissistic traits become so fixed that they interfere with daily life and relationships.1 People with NPD may struggle with empathy and depend heavily on external validation, but this doesn’t mean they are “bad” or “beyond understanding.” Beneath the surface, there are usually complex issues at play that even the person themselves may find hard to untangle.
To make sense of this, it can help to step back and look at narcissism more broadly. Narcissism isn’t a single behavior but a spectrum, and researchers often describe it in two main forms: grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism.2
Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissism center on self-image, but they differ in how self-image is expressed: one through confidence and superiority (grandiose), the other through insecurity and sensitivity (vulnerable).
For parents, it’s important to know that not every sign of narcissism in a teenager points to NPD. Adolescence is a stage where identity is still being formed, and traits like wanting admiration or testing limits can be part of this process. At the same time, when these behaviors go beyond the usual ups and downs of growing up, they can begin to resemble the patterns seen in adults with NPD.
This is where many parents start to wonder: if the signs look similar, can a teenager actually be diagnosed with NPD? Let’s get into this next.
Can Teens Be Diagnosed With NPD?
That said, this doesn’t mean the conversation about NPD stops until adulthood, with researchers agreeing that traits and patterns surfacing in adolescence can be early warning signs.3 At this point, the focus is less on getting a diagnosis as quickly as possible and more about understanding the areas where your child might need more support and guidance.
So while most teens will never receive an official diagnosis, understanding what contributes to narcissistic traits at this stage can still be valuable.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for NPD in Teens?
There was never going to be a simple answer to what causes NPD in teens. Narcissism doesn’t come from one place, but from a combination of influences that play out differently for each teenager.
The following sections look at the main risk factors and potential causes that researchers have linked to narcissistic traits in young people. However, these areas are not enough to give your child an unofficial diagnosis, and they shouldn’t be treated that way. But what they can do is shed light on certain behaviors and help you understand where they may be coming from.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at the influences that can shape how narcissism develops in the teenage years. These include:
- Parenting styles
- Attachment issues
- Social media
- Personality traits
- Genetics
The rest of this article explores each of these potential risk factors in turn.
Parenting and NPD
The first lessons children absorb about themselves nearly always begin at home. Family life leaves its mark, and research shows that the messages children receive in this dynamic can strongly influence whether narcissistic traits take root later.
Each of the following parenting factors could play a role.
Overpraising
It can be easy to sometimes fall into the trap of telling our kids how great they are, and there’s nothing wrong with validating your child. However, if praise repeatedly tips towards comparisons to others, this is where problems can begin. Research states that if kids are repeatedly told they are somehow superior to others, those words can be the breeding ground for narcissistic traits.4
Of course, this doesn’t mean a blanket ban on praise, because when affection is more focused on encouragement and growth rather than comparisons, it tends to build balanced confidence.
Disciplinary Issues
For some families, the issue isn’t over-praise but the complete opposite: a lack of consistent discipline and poor monitoring. For example, take a teenager who has no idea whether breaking a curfew will be ignored or lead to punishment. This uncertainty can create a craving for reassurance alongside a deep sensitivity to rejection. In fact, studies suggest this kind of unpredictability is closely tied to the development of vulnerable narcissism.5
Parents Own Narcissism
Now we come to the uncomfortable possibility of parents’ own traits shaping the picture. A parent with narcissistic tendencies may place their child on a pedestal, not because of who the child is, but because of what the child represents. For a teenager, this can feel like pressure to perform rather than freedom to grow, leaving them to measure their worth by how others see them.6
Attachment Issues and NPD
The second factor we’re discussing, which could contribute to narcissism, is attachment. In essence, attachment theory revolves around the bonds children form with their caregivers and how the impacts of these bonds can ripple outward into their teenage years and beyond.
A secure bond often gives children confidence in themselves and in their ability to connect with others. But when these bonds are uncertain or unreliable, teenagers may carry that insecurity forward, and it can become the ground where narcissistic traits take root.
The following sections consider the two dimensions of insecure attachment and how they’re connected to narcissism.
Anxious Attachment
Anxious attachment can bring a constant need for reassurance, and research has linked this insecurity to vulnerable narcissism.7 Teens high in this dimension may come across as demanding or overly focused on themselves, and to those around them, this may look like narcissism. However, underneath is the fear of being rejected.
Avoidant Attachment
Avoidant attachment is also tied to narcissism,8 with studies showing higher scores on traits linked to emotional distance and self-reliance (similar to NPD).9 A teenager experiencing these traits may say they don’t need anyone and push people away, but shutting others out often comes with a quiet longing to be recognized.
On the surface, these patterns may look alike, but it’s the fears underneath that really matter. Seeing them for what they are gives parents a way to respond with more care and less frustration.
It’s also worth noting that we don’t mention the third form of insecure attachment here: disorganized attachment. This is because this attachment style tends to fall high on the dimensions of both anxious and avoidant attachment. Therefore, teens with this style may alternate between the traits mentioned.
Social Media and NPD
The digital world has become a second home for millions, and this is especially the case for teenagers. Social media offers endless chances to express oneself and seek validation. For a teen who already feels superior, it becomes a stage to prove it; for one who feels insecure, it provides a steady stream of reassurance.
Studies show that grandiose narcissism in particular is tied to heavier use of social media. Specifically, people with this form of NPD may be more likely to chase “likes” as a way of feeding into vanity and a sense of self-importance.10
There’s also the fact that social media platforms offer complete control over every aspect of interaction.10 Users can carefully edit photos into ones that seem flawless, as well as only highlighting the positive moments in their lives that are bound to get interactions. They’re essentially building an online version of themselves that looks, to them, perfect. For those with narcissistic traits, this curated self can make the pull of outside approval even stronger – and stepping back even harder.
Personality Traits and NPD
Every teenager carries certain personality traits that shape how they move through the world. These traits alone don’t create narcissism, but research shows they can leave some young people more open to it.
Studies linking personality factors with narcissism in adolescents found three main areas of interest.11 These are:
Low agreeableness: This trait can make a teen less willing to compromise or soften their stance. Parents often notice it in a child who always wants the last word or seems unconcerned with how their behavior affects others.- Extraversion: This trait brings energy and sociability, but it can also feed a strong appetite for attention. In some settings, it may look like a healthy drive to connect; in others, it becomes constant showmanship.
- Neuroticism:
This trait can bring a unique element to the mix, often surfacing in mood swings or heightened sensitivity to rejection. A teen high in neuroticism may withdraw at one moment and overreact the next, creating the kind of instability often linked with vulnerable narcissism.
Researchers found that the link between these traits and narcissism appears in both adolescents and young adults, suggesting the personality foundations for narcissism are already visible by the teenage years. For parents, their existence doesn’t mean their child is destined for a diagnosis. However, it does show how certain traits can act as fertile ground for narcissistic behaviors if they’re not guided or supported.
Genetics and NPD
When parents see narcissistic traits in their teenager, one of the first questions that often comes to mind is: Did they get this from me? Research suggests narcissism does have a heritable component, but it’s not as simple as a single “narcissism gene.”
One twin study that focused on narcissism heritability found that grandiosity was around 23% heritable, while entitlement was closer to 35%.12 The remainder of these risk factors involved environmental factors, many of which are unique to the individual rather than shared by siblings. In other words, biology may set a base level of risk, but it doesn’t write the whole story.
When Narcissistic-Looking Behavior Might Be Something Else
For parents, this is what often makes things so difficult: it’s rarely clear what sits underneath actions. Therefore, the difference between I don’t care about anyone else and I can’t cope with myself right now might be impossible to see without help.
But of course, it’s natural to feel nervous about reaching out. Thoughts like What if they say my teen needs medication?, or What if they take them away from me? can creep in quickly. You may even fear that you’ll be judged as a bad parent. The truth is, none of this is likely to happen.
Seeking help shows you care, and far from being blamed, you’ll be seen as a parent doing everything possible to support your child. Speaking to mental health professionals can also take away the guesswork and the unhelpful thoughts that come with it. Put simply, if your teen could benefit from being understood a little better, then you’ll be giving them the best chance to move forward.
Mission Prep: Support for Teens and Families
If you’ve found yourself second-guessing whether your teen’s behavior could be narcissism, know that you don’t have to stay stuck in that uncertainty. At Mission Prep, we help families make sense of what’s going on, offering care for teens dealing with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and more.
We also know that no two young people are the same, which is the reason why we don’t use a “one-size-fits-all” model. Instead, our team draws on therapies such as CBT, DBT, family therapy, and group support in ways that match your teen’s needs and give parents the guidance they’ve been missing.
Families come to us from across the US, and we provide different levels of care depending on what works best. For some teens, our residential program offers the chance to step away from daily pressures and focus fully on healing. For others, our intensive outpatient program keeps teens at home and in school while still giving them the structured therapy they need.
Reaching out may feel daunting, but it can also be the moment things start to shift. If you’re ready to replace guesswork with real answers, contact Mission Prep to help your teen move forward and give you peace of mind in the process.
References
- Mitra, P., Fluyau, D., & Torrico, T. J. (2024, March 1). Narcissistic Personality Disorder. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556001/
- Psychology Today. (2019, June 23). Vulnerable Vs Grandiose Narcissism: Which Is More Harmful? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mysteries-love/201906/vulnerable-vs-grandiose-narcissism-which-is-more-harmful
- Brummelman, E., Nikolić, M., Nevicka, B., & Bögels, S. M. (2022). Early physiological indicators of narcissism and self‐esteem in children. Psychophysiology, 59(10). https://doi.org/10.1111/psyp.14082
- Brummelman, E., Thomaes, S., Nelemans, S. A., Orobio de Castro, B., Overbeek, G., & Bushman, B. J. (2015). Origins of narcissism in children. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(12), 201420870. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1420870112
- Mechanic, K. L., & Barry, C. T. (2014). Adolescent Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissism: Associations with Perceived Parenting Practices. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(5), 1510–1518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-9956-x
- Coppola, G., Musso, P., Buonanno, C., Semeraro, C., Iacobellis, B., Cassibba, R., Levantini, V., Masi, G., Thomaes, S., & Muratori, P. (2020). The Apple of Daddy’s Eye: Parental Overvaluation Links the Narcissistic Traits of Father and Child. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(15), 5515. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155515
- Set, Z. (2020). The mediating role of narcissism, vulnerable narcissism and self-compassion in the relationship between attachment dimensions and psychopathology. Anatolian Journal of Psychiatry, 21(0), 1. https://doi.org/10.5455/apd.99551
- Mohay, J., Cheng, K., de la Piedad Garcia, X., & Willis, M. L. (2025). The relationship between attachment styles and narcissism: a systematic and meta-analytic review. Personality and Individual Differences, 244, 113255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2025.113255
- Ellina, E., & Panagiotis Parpottas. (2023). The Role of Narcissism and Attachment in Adult Romantic Relationships: A Study of Greek-speaking Adult Participants. European Journal of Counselling Psychology. https://doi.org/10.46853/001c.84014
- Fegan, R. B., & Bland, A. R. (2021). Social Media Use and Vulnerable Narcissism: The Differential Roles of Oversensitivity and Egocentricity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(17), 9172. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18179172
- Allroggen, M., Rehmann, P., Schürch, E., Morf, C. C., & Kölch, M. (2018). The Relationship Between Narcissism and Personality Traits of the Five-Factor-Model in Adolescents and Young Adults. Zeitschrift Für Kinder- Und Jugendpsychiatrie Und Psychotherapie, 46(6), 516–522. https://doi.org/10.1024/1422-4917/a000588
- Luo, Y. L. L., Cai, H., & Song, H. (2014). A Behavioral Genetic Study of Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Dimensions of Narcissism. PLoS ONE, 9(4), e93403. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0093403
- Psychology Today. (2022, October 26). When Narcissistic Behavior Is Caused By Something Else. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-in-the-age-narcissism/202210/when-narcissistic-behavior-is-caused-something-else
