Development of the Intergenerational Narcissistic Family Trauma Scale (IFTS): A Conceptual Review and Framework for Psychometric Assessment.

Intergenerational trauma has gained increasing attention in psychological research due to its profound impact on personality development, emotional functioning, attachment patterns, and family relationships. While numerous studies have examined childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and family dysfunction, limited attention has been given to the specific mechanisms through which narcissistic family systems transmit trauma across generations. Existing instruments assess trauma exposure, attachment difficulties, and family dysfunction separately, yet no comprehensive measure specifically evaluates the intergenerational transmission of narcissistic family trauma. The present review examines theoretical and empirical literature related to narcissistic family dynamics, emotional neglect, attachment disruptions, family systems theory, and intergenerational trauma. Based on the synthesis of these findings, the Intergenerational Narcissistic Family Trauma Scale (INFTS) was conceptualized to assess patterns of emotional neglect, conditional love, manipulation and control, family image maintenance, and the repetition of dysfunctional relational patterns across generations. The paper outlines the theoretical foundation, conceptual framework, item development process, and proposed psychometric validation procedures for the INFTS. The proposed instrument aims to provide researchers and clinicians with a specialized tool for assessing trauma transmission and intervention within family environments.