Keywords
narcissistic parent
American psychology
self-help books
How to Cite
Abstract
This paper explores the use of allusion as a linguistic, cognitive, and linguicultural and psycholinguistic tool in shaping the concept of the "narcissistic parent" within modern American psychology literature. Focusing on four widely-read self-help and psychological books: Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers by Karyl McBride, Narcissistic Mothers: How to Handle a Narcissist Parent and Recover from CPTSD by Caroline Foster, Narcissistic Parents: The Complete Guide for Adult Children by Michelle Martin, and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, the study identifies how authors use cultural, literary, mythological, and even cinematic allusions to frame and communicate the complex psychological dynamics of narcissistic parenting. The findings demonstrate that allusion serves as a bridge between academic theory and a nonprofessional understanding, enhancing both the emotional and intellectual resonance of the narcissistic parent figure. Moreover, the study finds that allusions facilitate cognitive and cultural comprehension, therapeutic engagement, foster identity reconstruction, and contribute to a shared cultural lexicon around narcissistic abuse and recovery from it.References
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