What is a significant risk factor for developing narcissistic personality disorder?

A significant risk factor for developing narcissistic personality disorder is being extremely praised or admired by parents during childhood. This excessive admiration can lead to an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement, which are core characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder. Children who receive constant boosts to their self-esteem without corresponding limits or realistic feedback may come to believe that they are superior to others and develop maladaptive coping mechanisms in response to perceived threats to their self-image.

This upbringing may foster a lack of empathy, as overly praised children might prioritize their own needs and behaviors over the feelings of others, struggling to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships as they grow. The reliance on external validation can also leave them vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy if that praise is not sustained into adulthood.

The other options point towards experiences that might foster different psychological outcomes or disorders, but they do not directly contribute to the development of narcissistic personality traits in the same manner that excessive praise and admiration can.