The Narcissism Study (?)

I have been hearing a lot about the "narcissism" study. I tried to stay out of it but I just could not control myself.





The colloquial definition of narcissism is:
An excessive preoccupation with one’s own personal importance, or with achieving one’s own chosen goals rather than bonding with others, or with associating only with others whom one chooses. Sometimes psychologists associate narcissism with psychopathology and lack of conscience, but this need not be the case. But there may be lack of emotional empathy or bonding with others.



Excessive love or admiration of oneself. See synonyms at conceit.A psychological condition characterized by self-preoccupation, lack of empathy, and unconscious deficits in self-esteem.Erotic pleasure derived from contemplation or admiration of one's own body or self, especially as a fixation on or a regression to an infantile stage of development.The attribute of the human psyche characterized by admiration of oneself but within normal limits.






From a psychological stand point a narcissistic personality is defined as:


Narcissistic personality disorder is a condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and an extreme preoccupation with one's self.





Additionally


Symptoms
A person with narcissistic personality disorder:
Reacts to criticism with feelings or rage, shame, or humiliation


Takes advantage of others to achieve own goals


Has feelings of self-importance


Exaggerates achievements and talents


Is preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, beauty, intelligence, or ideal love


Has unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment


Requires constant attention and admiration


Lacks empathy


Overreacts to criticism, becoming angry or humiliated


Uses others to reach goals


Exaggerates own importance


Entertains unrealistic fantasies about achievements, power, beauty, intelligence or romance


Has unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment


Seeks constant attention and positive reinforcement from others


Is easily jealous


Has a sense of entitlement


Is interpersonally exploitative


Displays arrogant, haughty behaviours



People who have a narcissistic personality style rather than narcissistic personality disorder are generally psychologically healthy, but may at times be arrogant, proud, shrewd, confident, self-centered and determined to be at the top. They do not, however, have an unrealistic image of their skills and worth and are not dependent on praise to sustain a healthy self-esteem.





I did some research on the "narcissism study". I only found these statements publicized that the researchers (?) so far based their conclusion on.





The NPI is based on results from 1982-2006 of college students’ reactions to statements such as “If I ruled the world, it would be a better place,” “I think I am a special person” and “I can live my life any way I want to.”
The new report follows a study released by UCLA last month which found that nearly three-quarters of the freshmen it surveyed thought it was important to be "very well-off financially." That compared with 62.5 percent who said the same in 1980 and 42 percent in 1966.





Looking at these three questions I think the conclusions drawn are spurious. The study periods appear to be 1966, 1980 and 2006. There is no consistency between these time periods. This is not a study that was done for example every ten years.





The first statement, "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place"


When I think about this statement a yes answer can reflect:


Dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.


A lack of optimism.


A feeling of pessimism.


Belief the world could be a better place if others ideas were considered.





Next statement, "I think I am a special person"


Aren't we all special?


Should we loathe ourselves?


If we do not think we are special how can we appreciate others?


What about the adage, "God helps those that help themselves?"


Doesn't this show confidence and a belief in ourselves to make our own way?





Next statement, "I can live my life the way I want?"


More expressions of confidence


Feeling that you have control over your life


Not a victim


Not a whiner





"The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can't find them, make them." George Bernard Shaw 1856-1950


Note the date of this quote 1856-1950 way before the study (?)





Statement. "It is important to be well off financially."


Just check out the news. We all need money. The government is not going to help us. We all need to work longer and longer. Good bye social security, if you could even support yourself from it. We may be taking care of and supporting our elder parents. Medical costs are skyrocketing. The cost of a car is including, insurance, property taxes and gas is huge. Oil prices are up. Credit card interest rates are over the top. Education costs a fortune.





Is it any wonder people think it is important to be financially well off? And by the way what does financially well off mean?





The reason I am including this today is:


Think for yourself. A confident person does some research before they regurgitate buzz info. Do your homework before you revere "experts."





Keep an open mind. A confident person does not just jump on any trendy bandwagon. They think first.





Always be a student. A confident person learns from information.

Perhaps the "researchers" of this study are narcissistic.

Marcia, Your Confidence Coach