This study examines how growing up with a narcissistic caregiver is associated with adults’ coping strategies, focusing on stress and conflict management in the workplace. A total of 144 working individuals participated by completing a web-based survey measuring perceived narcissistic traits in their primary caregiver as well as three types of coping strategies: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidance coping. Gender, age, and income were included as control variables to explore potential moderating effects. The results showed a significant positive correlation between perceived narcissism and avoidance coping, suggesting that individuals who grew up in an environment characterized by grandiosity, power plays, and emotional neglect are more likely to withdraw from stressful work situations. In contrast, there was no clear link between perceived narcissism and either problem-focused or emotion-focused coping. Older participants utilized emotion-focused coping to a lesser extent, while higher income correlated positively with both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping. Qualitative comments underscored the negative effects of a toxic upbringing, such as feelings of guilt and lack of support, which often persist into adulthood. Overall, the study highlights how narcissistic family dynamics can foster long-standing, maladaptive patterns of stress management, with avoidance coping potentially reinforcing destructive relationships even in the workplace. These findings underscore the need for early interventions and greater awareness of the consequences of narcissism, aiming to facilitate constructive conflict resolution and foster a more sustainable work environment.