Because their self-involvement is at record high, this generation of young people might pose a threat to society.
People who are in love with themselves are "more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, be at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and exhibit game-playing, dishonesty and over-controlling and violent behaviors," according to lead author Dr. Jean Twenge. Narcissists tend to promote themselves, lack empathy for others, and overreact to criticism. She said that today's youth exhibit record high narcissism.Dr. Twenge and her colleagues examined answers to personality questionnaires filled out by 16,475 college students between 1982 and 2006. Known as the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the form requires yes and no responses to statements such as, "I think I am a special person," "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place," and "I can live my life anyway I want to."
The researchers found that narcissism has steadily increased since 1982. About two-thirds of today's college students have above-average scores. This is 30 percent more than in 1982.
Dr. Twenge believes that a "self-esteem movement" begun in schools in the 1980s fueled the change.
Labels: behavior, research, narcissism
Posted By: Aspen Education Group