The Narcissism Epidemic

Living in the Age of Entitlement

By: Jean M. Twenge, W. Keith Campbell

Narrated by: Randye Kaye

Narcissism - an inflated view of the self - is everywhere. Public figures say it's what makes them stray from their wives. Parents teach it by dressing children in T-shirts that say "Princess". Teenagers and young adults hone it on Facebook, and celebrity newsmakers have elevated it to an art form. And it's what's making people depressed, lonely, and buried under piles of debt. Dr. Jean M. Twenge focuses on the pernicious spread of narcissism in today's culture, which has repercussions for every age group and class. Dr. Twenge joins forces with Dr. W. Keith Campbell, a nationally recognized expert on narcissism, to explore this new plague. Together, they provide an eye-opening exposition of the alarming rise of narcissism and its catastrophic effects at every level of society.

©2009 Jean M. Twenge and W. Keith Campbell (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Filled with important, disturbing research detailing the alarming cultural spread of narcissism today." ---Karyl McBride, Ph.D., author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough?

Problem? Yes. Epidemic? Not quite

What did you like best about The Narcissism Epidemic? What did you like least?

What I liked best about it was Twenge, a leader in research in narcissism in American culture, put all of her research into one book. I have come across many of her and her colleagues studies and journal articles, but it is all in one place here.

Would you recommend The Narcissism Epidemic to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, but with a caveat. I wouldn't want someone to go into this with the intent of discovering this is how things are, but to understand the material is exaggerated. I think the information is great for the most part, but I do believe some of the conclusions drawn paint a far more grim future than what is rational.

Which character – as performed by Randye Kaye – was your favorite?

-

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

I think she has done a considerable amount of research, but I have problems with it. It feels like the fear factor is turned up to sell more books and conclusions are drawn from correlated factors. I think it is a little to far to believe this is in epidemic proportions, but there is certainly a problem. The criticisms of this I find are reasonable in regards to socio-demographics of her research (lack of diversity outside of mostly undergraduate students). The Narcissism Personality Inventory is a pretty good method of measuring narcissism, but it is almost four decades old and lacks a finer approach to narcissism, since there are several different characteristics of it.

Actual and urgent material

It is an actual and urgent content for today's audience. Especially young people but also people that think to parent on the future. I recommend this text.

interesting insights

was interesting and gave good insights in my humble opinion. recommend a listen for sure

could be better.

I found it to be more biased than I would have liked. other than that the concept was interesting.

A, plague of mirrors

I found this book to be an enlightening look at the problem of narcissism , which is basically pride without accomplishment. Too many people today are expecting a hero's welcome without any heroic deeds. This book examines the problem and offers solutions.

Raises good issues, but overstates the case.

The core of the material is helpful, but a lot of the peripheral points are not. One doesn't expect to agree with authors of expository booms on every point, but some of the things brought up are real stretches. For example, I don't believe that an increase in homeschooling is evidence or a potential manifestation of narcissism, which is what I took the book to be suggesting (an alternative explanation in the decline of public education quality resulting in some parents being willing and able to do a better job is never even mentioned). Also, the commentaries on things like environmental issues or governmental tampering with the economy are often superficial and rest on fundamentally incomplete understandings of those issues (I couldn't help wishing the authors had read at least one volume by Thomas Sowell). Such things notwithstanding, I still think the book was worth the time it took to get through.

I learned so much

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I gained great insight on how our society has evolved over the decades and understood how the choices from each generation have formed the reading of the next. With anything there is a positive and negative affect and right now, we’re firmly I the negative. Understanding has given me hope for change in the future and what we all can individually do to make a difference.

An Outstanding Piece of Work, Highly Reccomended

If you could sum up The Narcissism Epidemic in three words, what would they be?

High praise, low standards and low expectations do not create a person who can compete and thrive in the real world.This book really connects the dots and explains why so many of our kids feel entitled, are rude and cannot function in a competitive society i.e. in the real world. Their self esteem is off the charts and their ability to function and compete just does not support their high self esteem.

In life there are winners and losers, the winners generally work really hard and demand more of themselves and understand commitment, discipline and hard work and the only things that ensure success in the long run.

Life is not like a kid's sports game; Not everyone get's a trophy just for showing up. As Thomas Edison said, genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Unfortunately many of us have forgotten this truth.

The books also gives some very good pointers for dealing with narcissism and if we do not deal with it there will be significant consequences for us as a country.Cannot recommend highly enough

Extremely well written & researched. Must read.

Very easy to listen to. The material was well organized and explained. Facts, scientific conclusions, and opinions were clearly identified to prevent misleading the listener / reader. Very well done.

I highly recommend this title to anyone burdened by narcissists... as well as every parent. (lots of good recommendations on how not to raise little monsters)

Brow beating and merit promotion

There is so much here that I wholeheartedly agree with. And yet, so much that doesn't seem to see the bigger picture. Simply saying over and over that narcissism is egotism and selfishness is true sure, but it is our culture that promotes this type of behavior. And very little focus is given that system. Instead there is a doubling down on judgements of the individuals. Disappointingly simplistic.