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Psychologists Jean Twenge and Keith Campbell think so. They are so convinced that they wrote a whole book about it.
But not everyone agrees. Richard Robins, director of the Personality, Self, and Emotion laboratory at the University of California, Davis is one of those dissenters. Robins told me that solid evidence for the alleged “epidemic” pretty much disappears when Twenge’s and Campbell’s data are analyzed properly. Based on his team’s research, Robins concludes “this curren
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Comments
07.07.09
I'm in the camp that doesn't believe there is a narcissism epidemic. A lot of what people complain about with Gen Y is what every other generation got flack for when they were young. When my firm did a project on Generational Differences for a Fortune 500 firm the research revealed more similarities than differences in the work values and preferences among the generations. Most revealingly, every generation (Y, X, Boomer, Traditionalist) felt they were portrayed negatively, so we are clearly much too hard on each other! "Can't we all just get along may sound trite", but seriously, can't we all just get along!
07.07.09
There is definitely a narcissism epidemic, though it's certainly not limited to youth.
07.07.09
Isn't crippling insecurity, masked by bravado and faux over-confidence, one of the core traits of narcissistic personality disorder? So the decrease in self-esteem actually supports the claims of Twenge and Campbell. Furthermore, one of the known causes is an overly doting parent - of the "my child is always wonderful and can do no wrong" variety. I think there's certainly been an increase in this type of parenting over the years, so it makes sense that it would spawn a generation of narcissists.
07.07.09
Partially that's true. It used to be believed that insecurity and low self-esteem cause narcissism, but research in recent years has poked holes in that. Actually, Twenge and Campbell argue that low self-esteem does not cause narcissism, but that overly high self-esteem does. That's why they don't like the "self-esteem movement," because they thinks it has gone too far.
I think you're right, however, about the problem with "my child can do no wrong" parenting. That's why it's important to critique a child (or adult) when they do wrong instead of just dishing out undeserved praise all of the time. It's a delicate balance.
07.07.09
@Nick
I think your on the right lines regarding parenting, not only is the praise/critique a factor but the rules the parents put in place now are alot slacker than when we were young.
I think in some cases parents are fearful of any repercussions due to discipline (i.e. prosecution), and in some cases are fearful of the children themselves.
07.07.09
I think there are problems with narcissim in our culture in general, but in Gen Y and Gen Z? I don't see it. If anything I see a lot more humility and care. It warms this Gen Xers heart.
07.07.09
Personally, I'm not one to hold ideas of reference against the sufferer, so I dislike the narcissism diagnosis. Do an inordinate number of the gen-y and gen-z kids have high narcissistic traits? Probably. Does it really have an immediate maladaptive effect? Not immediate. Can it be a focus of treatment? No, there is no immediate maladaptive effect(Although there is probably a long term deficit being developed). Why do the study then? Two reasons: to determine the long term effect, and to further defame and degrade the youth of the nation.
07.08.09
I agree Narcissism Epidemic is not limited to young people only or gen y , can do anyone.
07.08.09
i think these epidemic really exist....because that happening many youth in my city
07.08.09
Caroline, I can`t agree with you, I feel something like a 'narcissism epidemic' around.
07.08.09
no crytics to One Minute Manager
We all love it!
07.08.09
really ince post ... i enjoyed reading it
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