April 15, 2010: What each of us can do to stop the epidemic of narcissism

Psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge coming to speak at UAA on April 15

Are college students today more narcissistic and self-centered than a generation ago? Psychologist Jean Twenge, co-author of the new book The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement, says: YES. Her research traces back to the '80s "self-esteem movement" that is now being fueled by new technologies like Facebook and YouTube. Twenge will speak on the rise of narcissism in American culture and how this can lead to materialism and aggression. This free lecture will be held in UAA's Wendy Williamson Auditorium on Thursday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Here is an excerpt from her book: On a reality TV show, a girl planning her Sweet Sixteen wants a major road blocked off so a marching band can precede her grand entrance on a red carpet. Five times as many Americans undergo plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures as ten years ago, and ordinary people hire fake paparazzi to follow them around to make them look famous. High school students physically attack classmates and post YouTube videos of the beatings to get attention. And for the past several years, Americans have been buying McMansions and expensive cars on credit they can't afford.

Although these seem like a random collection of current trends, all are rooted in a single underlying shift in American culture: the relentless rise of narcissism, a very positive and inflated view of self. Narcissists believe they are better than others, lack emotionally warm and caring relationships, constantly seek attention, and treasure material wealth and physical appearance.

In The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement, psychologists and professors Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell draw from empirical research and cultural analysis to expose the destructive spread of narcissism. Perhaps most important, they also discuss treatment - what each of us can do to stop the epidemic of narcissism so corrosive to society.

Twenge's talk is the keynote address for UAA's Honors College Undergraduate Research & Discovery Symposium, and for the CAS Psychology Department's Behavioral Sciences Conference of the North. Additional sponsorship for this talk comes from ConocoPhillips and BP.

The Symposium celebrates undergraduate achievements throughout the University and is funded by the University Honors College, Alaska Heart Institute, Estelle J. Spatz Undergraduate Research Fund, Institute of Social and Economic Research, UAA/APU Consortium Library, UAA Office of Community Partnerships, Dr. Alex Hills, Brian and Amy Meissner, and many other generous individuals. For more information about the Symposium, visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/ours/calendar/symposium.cfm.

All events are free and open to the public. Find more information about Twenge on her Web site at www.jeantwenge.com.