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The Daily OrangeVanity scare: students more self-centered than ever before
By Jim Armstrong
Posted: 3/2/07, 12:58 AM EST Section: News
This article is also on the New York Times via Uwire.
College students are more narcissistic and self-centered than ever before, scoring 30 percent higher on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory evaluation in 2006 than students in 1982, according to a study conducted by a team of five psychologists.
Narcissism is defined as "love of or sexual desire for one's own body," according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Jean Twenge, leader of the study and psychology professor at San Diego State University, recounted the statements posed to the more than 16,000 students in the evaluation.
"'I think I am a special person,' 'I can live my life any way I want to,' 'I like to be the center of attention' and 'If I ruled the world it would be a better place," said Twenge, author of "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled - and More Miserable Than Ever Before."
The NPI test was conducted across the United States and the data is encompassing and would apply to most American colleges, Twenge said. She added it would be interesting to see if the trend continues in 10 to 15 years.
W. Keith Campbell, a psychology professor at the University of Georgia and co-author of the study, said the scope of the study is wide ranging.
"This study used data from a wide range of other studies on narcissism in college students, so it is derived from a larger effort to understand narcissism," said Campbell in an e-mail.
Madonna Harrington Meyer, sociology professor at Syracuse University, said students here make up a diverse group. She said she experiences both consumer-driven students, students that truly want to make a difference and everything in between.
"Some students are extremely concerned about issues like peace, the environment and inequality," she said. "By the same token, there are many students who are concerned about their own grades, success and getting ahead - with not very much consideration for others around them."
College students are more narcissistic and self-centered than ever before, scoring 30 percent higher on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory evaluation in 2006 than students in 1982, according to a study conducted by a team of five psychologists.
Narcissism is defined as "love of or sexual desire for one's own body," according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Jean Twenge, leader of the study and psychology professor at San Diego State University, recounted the statements posed to the more than 16,000 students in the evaluation.
"'I think I am a special person,' 'I can live my life any way I want to,' 'I like to be the center of attention' and 'If I ruled the world it would be a better place," said Twenge, author of "Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled - and More Miserable Than Ever Before."
The NPI test was conducted across the United States and the data is encompassing and would apply to most American colleges, Twenge said. She added it would be interesting to see if the trend continues in 10 to 15 years.
W. Keith Campbell, a psychology professor at the University of Georgia and co-author of the study, said the scope of the study is wide ranging.
"This study used data from a wide range of other studies on narcissism in college students, so it is derived from a larger effort to understand narcissism," said Campbell in an e-mail.
Madonna Harrington Meyer, sociology professor at Syracuse University, said students here make up a diverse group. She said she experiences both consumer-driven students, students that truly want to make a difference and everything in between.
"Some students are extremely concerned about issues like peace, the environment and inequality," she said. "By the same token, there are many students who are concerned about their own grades, success and getting ahead - with not very much consideration for others around them."
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Patrick
posted 3/05/07 @ 3:25 AM EST
Yes, this is perplexing. I am a successful business consultant that has started 18 companies and have an advanced degree. At times I am called to speak in front of college students and I am surprised to see their lack of interest and how they talk amongst themselves during my speeches. (Continued…)
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