Entitled Kids - Narcissistic By Nature or By Nurture?

Young people are generally full of themselves, but a new study suggests that today's kids are far more self-centered than preceding generations.

A team of five university psychologists analysed the results of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, a 40 question survey administered to 16, 475 current and recent college students nationwide between 1982 and 2006; the test asked students to agree or disagree with statements like "I think I am a special person" and "If I ruled the world, it would be a better place."

The results, the authors argue, illustrate a steady increase in narcissism- a "positive and inflated view of self." Overall, almost two-thirds of the most recent sample display a higher level than the 1982 average.

Why the increase?

The researchers speculate that technology may have something to do with it.

Narcissism is especially acute among students born after 1982, (they being) most likely to be using "self-focused" Web sites like MySpace and YouTube.

Whatever the cause, the researchers argue that increased narcissism can have pernicious effects on the individual and society. They cite previous studies that narcissists have trouble forming meaningful relationships, tend to be materialistic, and are prone to higher levels of infidelity, substance abuse, and violence.

("Egos Inflating Over Time: A Test of Two Generational Theories of Narcissism Using Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis," Jean M. Twenge, et al ; cited in The Atlantic, July/August 2007)

Thought-How about "Duh!" As American has experienced unparalleled prosperity and (generally speaking) domestic peace since 1982, these young folks have been all too often told and taught they can have everything, can do everything and are invincible and entitled, not responsible and immortal. Worrisome and of course, it'll take a bigger crisis than 9/11 to reverse the trend, I fear.

And so it goes...