by: Nashedra Barry
Summary
Is the self-esteem movement doing more harm than good? This blog addresses the self-esteem movement and its effects as well as the current trend towards individualism. The concept of Generation We vs Generation Me is discussed and evidence for both is presented. This blog will examine whether or not narcissistic traits have increased in generations over time and ends with possible solutions for improving the negative effects of this perceived trend.
Generation We vs. Generation Me
As a result of the so called “self-esteem movement”, there is increasing evidence that emerging adults are more “Generation Me” than “Generation We”. In other words, the American culture has become more individualistic. Twenge (2013) cites that fact that television shows aimed at young adolescents now focus more on fame, popular song lyrics are more narcissistic and antisocial, and that books use more individualistic language as evidence of this growing trend. Twenge (2013) also asserts that the current generation has shifted from focusing on intrinsic values such as social issues, government, and politics; to a focus on extrinsic values (i.e. money and fame). These trends have been associated with an increase in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and narcissistic traits in young adults (Paris, 2014; Twenge, 2013). Others dispute the idea that the effects of the self-esteem movement are largely negative (Arnett, 2013). The question remains: Is the self-esteem movement doing more harm than good?
Is the self-esteem movement doing more harm than good? This blog addresses the self-esteem movement and its effects as well as the current trend towards individualism. The concept of Generation We vs Generation Me is discussed and evidence for both is presented. This blog will examine whether or not narcissistic traits have increased in generations over time and ends with possible solutions for improving the negative effects of this perceived trend.
Generation We vs. Generation Me
As a result of the so called “self-esteem movement”, there is increasing evidence that emerging adults are more “Generation Me” than “Generation We”. In other words, the American culture has become more individualistic. Twenge (2013) cites that fact that television shows aimed at young adolescents now focus more on fame, popular song lyrics are more narcissistic and antisocial, and that books use more individualistic language as evidence of this growing trend. Twenge (2013) also asserts that the current generation has shifted from focusing on intrinsic values such as social issues, government, and politics; to a focus on extrinsic values (i.e. money and fame). These trends have been associated with an increase in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and narcissistic traits in young adults (Paris, 2014; Twenge, 2013). Others dispute the idea that the effects of the self-esteem movement are largely negative (Arnett, 2013). The question remains: Is the self-esteem movement doing more harm than good?
What is narcissism?
Narcissism is defined as a very positive, inflated view of self. It correlates with self-esteem, a desire for uniqueness, vanity, and materialism (Twenge, 2013). When these character traits reach a pathological level, an individual is said to have NPD. NPD is characterized by significant impairments in self and interpersonal functioning, excessive need for approval, grandiosity, entitlement, poor empathy, and problematic intimacy (Paris, 2014). While narcissism can be confused with self-esteem, there are several key distinctions. Pathological narcissism is based on feeling of entitlement and in a failure to ground assessment of self in objective accomplishments (Paris, 2014). More simply put, self-esteem turns into narcissism when an individual is overely confident without having tangible or real-life achievements that represent skill in a particular area.
What is the cause of the shift towards individualism and narcissism?
Aside from the so called “self-esteem movement” one possible explanation offered, is Modernity. Modernity is described as cultural changes and shifts in values associated with industrial and postindustrial society, associated with a decline in tradition and social norms. Modernity supports a more individualistic culture, as people begin to focus less on conforming to external expectations, and more on their own beliefs and feelings. While individualism can be beneficial, it can also be seen as detrimental in some cases. For example, it may cause individuals to assess their behavior based on how it affects them personally without taking into consideration how their behavior could affect others.
Is narcissism really increasing?
The research on this matter is split. Twenge’s research indicates that narcissism is indeed increasing from one generation to the next. Increasing scores in the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) are also referenced to back up this claim. Twenge associates a more narcissistic and individualistic society with lower empathy, less concern for others, and less civic engagement (Twenge, 2013). Arnett (2013) point out several flaws with this research. Twenge (2013) and other researchers in the field use scores on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPF) as a measure of narcissism. Arnett (2013) argues that there are validity concerns with using this as a measure for narcissism. While some items show clear reference to narcissistic traits, others can be seen as desirable traits. Furthermore, Twenge (2013) uses the term emerging adults when discussing the data; however, a sample of only college students is used. Twenge’s conclusions may not be generalizable to all emerging adults because the college student population is typically wealthier, more educated, and disproportionately of the majority culture when compared to those of the same age who are not college educated (Arnett, 2013). In a response to Arnette’s article, Twenge is able to refute these claims. While there may be an increasing trend in narcissistic traits, the bigger concern is whether or not the negative effects outweigh the positive.
What can we do?
Arnett asserts that it may be helpful to do something as simple as decreasing the promotion of negative stereotypes aimed at emerging adults. Increased self-esteem could just as easily be framed in a more positive light. For example, Arnett suggests that the high expectations and optimism of emerging adults are actually a protective factor against what is often a stressful and difficult time of life (Arnett, 2013). Additionally, both Twenge and Arnett agree that self-control is a stronger predictor of positive outcomes such as higher educational attainment and lower substance use than self-esteem. If the current generation is indeed more self-absorbed and narcissistic, the larger culture may benefit from an increased focus on establishing self-control among young children instead of attempting to foster greater self-esteem.
A 2016 study points out that adults tend to use praise to boost children’s self-esteem. Brummelman and colleagues assert that adults tend to give “person centered praise” and inflated praise to children with low self-esteem. Their study found that this is actually counterproductive. It can lower the child’s motivation and self-worth when they face life’s inevitable setbacks (Brummelman, Crocker, & Bushman, 2016). Research indicates that using process praise (i.e. You worked so hard!”), leads to children seeking more challenging tasks. Also, when children who have received process praise fail, they persisted longer, perform more optimally, and maintain their feelings of self-worth (Mueller & Dweck, 1998). With that being said, instead of attempting to do away with the idea of increasing self-esteem, another option would be to reconsider how we as a society go about increasing self-esteem in children. Adults should be both process specific and realistic in the way that they use praise.
Narcissism is defined as a very positive, inflated view of self. It correlates with self-esteem, a desire for uniqueness, vanity, and materialism (Twenge, 2013). When these character traits reach a pathological level, an individual is said to have NPD. NPD is characterized by significant impairments in self and interpersonal functioning, excessive need for approval, grandiosity, entitlement, poor empathy, and problematic intimacy (Paris, 2014). While narcissism can be confused with self-esteem, there are several key distinctions. Pathological narcissism is based on feeling of entitlement and in a failure to ground assessment of self in objective accomplishments (Paris, 2014). More simply put, self-esteem turns into narcissism when an individual is overely confident without having tangible or real-life achievements that represent skill in a particular area.
What is the cause of the shift towards individualism and narcissism?
Aside from the so called “self-esteem movement” one possible explanation offered, is Modernity. Modernity is described as cultural changes and shifts in values associated with industrial and postindustrial society, associated with a decline in tradition and social norms. Modernity supports a more individualistic culture, as people begin to focus less on conforming to external expectations, and more on their own beliefs and feelings. While individualism can be beneficial, it can also be seen as detrimental in some cases. For example, it may cause individuals to assess their behavior based on how it affects them personally without taking into consideration how their behavior could affect others.
Is narcissism really increasing?
The research on this matter is split. Twenge’s research indicates that narcissism is indeed increasing from one generation to the next. Increasing scores in the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) are also referenced to back up this claim. Twenge associates a more narcissistic and individualistic society with lower empathy, less concern for others, and less civic engagement (Twenge, 2013). Arnett (2013) point out several flaws with this research. Twenge (2013) and other researchers in the field use scores on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPF) as a measure of narcissism. Arnett (2013) argues that there are validity concerns with using this as a measure for narcissism. While some items show clear reference to narcissistic traits, others can be seen as desirable traits. Furthermore, Twenge (2013) uses the term emerging adults when discussing the data; however, a sample of only college students is used. Twenge’s conclusions may not be generalizable to all emerging adults because the college student population is typically wealthier, more educated, and disproportionately of the majority culture when compared to those of the same age who are not college educated (Arnett, 2013). In a response to Arnette’s article, Twenge is able to refute these claims. While there may be an increasing trend in narcissistic traits, the bigger concern is whether or not the negative effects outweigh the positive.
What can we do?
Arnett asserts that it may be helpful to do something as simple as decreasing the promotion of negative stereotypes aimed at emerging adults. Increased self-esteem could just as easily be framed in a more positive light. For example, Arnett suggests that the high expectations and optimism of emerging adults are actually a protective factor against what is often a stressful and difficult time of life (Arnett, 2013). Additionally, both Twenge and Arnett agree that self-control is a stronger predictor of positive outcomes such as higher educational attainment and lower substance use than self-esteem. If the current generation is indeed more self-absorbed and narcissistic, the larger culture may benefit from an increased focus on establishing self-control among young children instead of attempting to foster greater self-esteem.
A 2016 study points out that adults tend to use praise to boost children’s self-esteem. Brummelman and colleagues assert that adults tend to give “person centered praise” and inflated praise to children with low self-esteem. Their study found that this is actually counterproductive. It can lower the child’s motivation and self-worth when they face life’s inevitable setbacks (Brummelman, Crocker, & Bushman, 2016). Research indicates that using process praise (i.e. You worked so hard!”), leads to children seeking more challenging tasks. Also, when children who have received process praise fail, they persisted longer, perform more optimally, and maintain their feelings of self-worth (Mueller & Dweck, 1998). With that being said, instead of attempting to do away with the idea of increasing self-esteem, another option would be to reconsider how we as a society go about increasing self-esteem in children. Adults should be both process specific and realistic in the way that they use praise.
References:
- Arnett, J. J. (2013). The evidence for generation we and against generation me. Emerging adulthood, 1(1), 5-10.
- Brummelman, E., Crocker, J., & Bushman, B. J. (2016). The praise paradox: When and why praise backfires in children with low self‐esteem. Child Development Perspectives, 10(2), 111-115.
- Mueller, C. M., & Dweck, C. S. (1998). Praise for intelligence can undermine children's motivation and performance. Journal of personality and social psychology, 75(1), 33.
- Paris, J. (2014). Modernity and narcissistic personality disorder. Personality disorders: Theory, research, and treatment, 5(2), 220.
- Twenge, J. M. (2013). The evidence for generation me and against generation we. Emerging Adulthood, 1(1), 11-16.