An Autoethnographic Reflection of Maternal Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Latinx Culture

Date of Award

Summer 8-22-2026

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Lavita Nadkarni

Second Advisor

Carrie Landin

Third Advisor

Emily Markley

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), Maternal narcissism, Autoethnography, Latinx, Hispanic, Layered account, Therapy

Abstract

‘Narcissism’ is a word that has increasingly gained traction. Much of what is known about narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD for short and its many variations remains a mystery in psychological phenomena, which primarily results from narcissistic individuals not seeking treatment. Moreso, maternal narcissism, a subcategory of narcissism, and its prevalence, manifestations, and treatment are difficult to come by in the world of narcissistic research. It is unequivocally agreed upon that there remains a broader sprawl of unknowns specifically around the presentations of NPD in other cultures, cultures not readily studied directly as compared to the western alternative. This paper responds to what is not yet fully understood about NPD by evaluating it as it pertains to maternal narcissism in Latinx culture and discussing potentially relevant cultural elements in its expression. The author illuminates their experience of life in the shadows of their Latina mother struggling with NPD by utilizing reflection and introspection through a developmentally layered and evocative autoethnographic approach. Together with the consideration of relevant literature, the author hopes to provide a way of funneling connectedness and relatedness with their narrative on part of families or individuals encountering similar experiences and psychologists treating those with NPD.

Copyright Date

6-23-2026

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Ernesto J. Zepeda

Provenance

Received from author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

70 pgs

File Size

359 KB

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