Can praise contribute to narcissism in children?

Since the 1970s, Western parents have become increasingly concerned about raising children’s self-esteem. Many parents believe that self-esteem contributes to children’s success and happiness in life, and they are motivated to raise self-esteem by telling children how unique and extraordinary they are. However, there is some suggestive evidence that, since the very same decade, Western youth developed higher narcissism levels. The conclusion would seem too obvious: in lavishing children with praise, parents may inadvertently cultivate narcissism. This chapter reviews emerging research on when praise may (and may not) contribute to narcissism in children and suggests ways in which parents can effectively raise self-esteem without cultivating narcissism.