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.