Narcissism - Is it Self-Esteem That's Run Wild

For years the self-esteem movement tended to encourage the young to feel pretty good about themselves whether they'd actually achieved anything of substance or not. Now however, some researchers see a connection between inflated self-esteem and, among other things, our current economic troubles.

Led to believe as children they were unique and special just by virtue of being, many young adults have developed an exaggerated sense of entitlement. This theory (explored in The Narcissism Epidemic by Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell, both Ph. D's) has lead some researchers to this exaggerated sense of entitlement has fed the frenzied overspending now drowning so many people in debt

The U S, they declare, is awash in narcissism and it has has affected all of us as our society increasingly emphasizes wealth, appearance, and celebrity. And as a series of economic blues have swept over our nation, the innocent, being those who attempted to live within their means, save for emergencies, build a retirement fund, etc. have been damaged right along with the guilty.

You will remember that Narcissus was is said to be a mythological young man so enamored with himself and so cruel to others that he was ultimately condemned to spend his life pining away over his own reflection in a lake.

Take a look around you. Do you know anyone with narcissistic tendencies? Or Do you have those tendencies yourself? Are you someone who is influenced by others who do?

Traits a narcissist might display are:

A grandiose sense of importance and a need for recognition not warranted by accomplishment

Preoccupation with fantasies of success, power, brilliance, or beauty

A belief that he or she is unique and can only be appreciated by other special or high-status people

A need for admiration

Unreasonable expectations of special treatment

Exploitative treatment of others

Extreem lack of empathy

Envy of others or a belief that others are envious of him or her

Arrogant behavior and attitude

Maybe it's time for you to reassess. For example: What have you done to earn the things you now expect life to give back to you? Have you earned the lasting respect of others by treating them with the consideration every person deserves?

Take a moment to think about it.