Narcissism and Machiavellianism in Youth: Implications for the Development of Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior

The appearance of books such as Generation Me and The Narcissism Epidemic suggest a disturbing trend among today's adolescents. In both the popular and the professional literature, self-centeredness, preoccupation with social status, and overly ingratiating interpersonal tactics have garnered attention for how they may easily cross the line into the realm of antisocial behaviors such as aggression and violence. Clinical narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy have begun to emerge as particular targets of attention among researchers in various branches of psychology. Both narcissism and Machiavellianism in adult populations and have been found to be risk factors for a variety of antisocial behaviors, from entitlement and exploitation to self-absorption and defensive egotism to violent psychopathology. And yet other studies have the potentially socially adaptive outcomes associated with these constructs. Only more recently has an attempt been made to examine these constructs in children and adolescents. This book brings together international scholars who have begun to consider empirical questions related to narcissism and Machiavellianism in youth. Narcissism and Machiavellianism in Youth highlights how knowledge of both narcissism and Machiavellianism may influence problematic youth social interactions as well as youth adaptation to developmental contexts such as peer relationships. The book brings together for the first time scholars who have empirically examined the emotional, social, and behavioral correlates of these constructs in youth. Part I provides the context for understanding narcissism and Machiavellianism as potential risk and protective factors. Part II discusses the theory and existing evidence on youth narcissism as it relates to problematic behaviors, adaptive functioning, parenting, cultural context, and children's perception of their own competence. Part III discusses many of the same issues concerning Machiavellianism, with particular attention devoted to the emotional, behavioral, and social sequelae of Machiavellian tendencies for children. The volume concludes with thoughts on a tentative research agenda for possible clinical interventions at various developmental stages.