Sua majestade, a mamãe

Abstract

This work aimed to discuss the notion of the narcissistic mother, understanding this concept from the Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) identified since the DSM-IV. To this end, a theoretical-bibliographic research was conducted from a psychoanalytic perspective. Based on this theoretical foundation, reflections were made on the different psychoanalytic definitions of narcissism, revisiting the origins of the concept and tracing back to the Greek myth of Narcissus. The mother-child relationship was discussed, starting from socially constructed conceptions of motherhood, with emphasis on the myth of maternal love. We explored the diagnostic characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and its expression in maternal behaviors, which often manifest as abusive and neglectful. Despite the widespread use of the term narcissistic mothers in common parlance, NPD is a distinct diagnosis with specific repercussions when individuals affected by the disorder are also mothers. By analyzing the general context of narcissistic mothers, a pattern characterized by an excessive focus on themselves, a search for external validation, and difficulty recognizing their children's emotional needs stands out. This narcissistic dynamic can impact the emotional and psychological development of children, influencing their perceptions of themselves and the world around them