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Abstract
Much of the current literature on trauma and narcissism has conceptualized trauma as the catalyst for the development of narcissism. However, more recent research has begun to explore how narcissism can impact one’s experience of trauma and the development of posttraumatic symptoms. This research has largely been conducted using adult samples, meaning the relationship between narcissism and trauma in adolescent populations, particularly juvenile offenders, is less understood. Therefore, the current study utilized a sample of 12–17-year-olds who were referred for mental health treatment and assessment, secondary to their adjudication by the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, to explore the relationship between narcissism and posttraumatic symptoms. Particular attention was given to the differences in adaptive vs. maladaptive narcissism. Regressions and correlational techniques were used to analyze participants’ scores on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory-Juvenile Offender (NPI-JO) and Child Repot of Posttraumatic Symptoms (CROPS). Results suggested adaptive narcissism, and some of the factors which comprise adaptive narcissism (i.e., self-sufficiency, authority, superiority), may perform a protective function against the development of posttraumatic symptoms. Results also indicated maladaptive narcissism may have less impact on one’s experience of and recovery from trauma. In fact, only one aspect of maladaptive narcissism, entitlement, was shown to be a risk factor for the development of posttraumatic symptoms. These findings have implications for the development of innovative and effective assessment and treatment for juvenile offenders, which is relevant to preventing future delinquency, improving mental health outcomes, and maintaining the safety of youth and staff in juvenile facilities.