The Narcissism
Epi demic
On Campus
BY W. KEITH CAMPBELL AND JEAN M. TWENGE
Students do not enter higher education institutions as blank slates. Instead, they arrive on col- lege and university campuses shaped by 12 to 14 years of formal education, mass quantities of traditional and non-traditional media, and extensive exposure to technology, particularly social networking sites. In recent years, a major cultural shift has occurred in the broader culture and is
mirrored on campuses nationwide: The “narcissism epidemic” involves increases in both individual narcissism
and cultural narcissism, and it is changing how students perceive their academic experiences.
In a recent study, Ellen Greenberger, a research professor
at the University of California, Irvine, found that two-thirds
of college students surveyed believe that they should receive
a higher course grade simply by explaining to their instructors that they are trying. Clearly, the prevalence of this type
of thinking places increasing pressure on faculty and administrators, including senior student affairs officers (SSAOs), to
temper unrealistic expectations and provide practical guidance
to students.
What is Narcissism?
While the term is used frequently, a good deal of confusion
exists about the definition of narcissism. Narcissism can be
defined as a personality trait, the level of which can be charted
as a bell-shaped curve. Most individuals exhibit moderate
levels of narcissism and would be charted at the center of
the curve with fewer individuals at the high or low extremes.
Those at the higher end of the curve hold a very positive or
narcissistic view of themselves: They believe that they are spe-
cial, unique, important, and physically attractive. They
also report less interest in warm, empathetic, or caring rela-
tionships with others. Narcissistic individuals are quite good
at starting relationships and are often judged as likable,
charming, or charismatic, but they generally are not interested
in the commitments that make relationships work. To main-
tain their positive image, narcissistic individuals engage in a
range of self-enhancing behaviors, including: taking credit for
success and blaming others for failure; trying to associate with
popular peers; name-dropping; buying fancy cars or clothing;
jumping at chances for attention or status; and demonstrating
hyper-competitiveness.
