Maternal ambivalence and narcissism: a cross-cultural study

Merrill-Palmer Quarterly of Behavior and Development • Vol/Iss. 11 • Published In • Pages: 241-259 •
By Slater, Philip E., Slater, Dori A.

Abstract

This article explores narcissism and child-rearing. The author presents a theory that, if a society’s structural pattern weakens the marital bond, the mother will be ambivalent toward the son who consequently will become narcissistic. This process would reinforce itself as it is repeated by each generation.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherOther Researchers
Ethnographic Reports

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
"There is a positive correlation between maternal sexual deprivation and male narcissism" (255)Supported
"There is a positive correlation between male narcissism and close physical mother/son contact during (mother's sexual) deprivation" (255)Supported
"There is a negative correlation between male narcissism and nurturant indulgence or gratification of infants" (255)Supported
"There is a positive correlation between male narcissism and a distant or dissentient marital relationship" (255)Supported
"There is a positive correlation between male narcissism on the one hand, and pressure for the child to achieve, anxiety over failure to achieve and frequency of achievement behavior on the other" (255)Supported
"Males in narcissistic societies would show a generalized fear of women and would . . . marry late" (254)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Amelia Piazza