"The Roots and Impact of Narcissism: From Ancient Myth to Psychological Trait"

Long before the era of selfies and social media, the myth of Narcissus, a character from ancient Greek and Roman mythology, shed light on the idea of self-obsession. According to the myth, Narcissus, a handsome young man, wandered in search of love. After rejecting a nymph named Echo, he caught sight of his own reflection in a river and fell in love with it. Unable to tear himself away, he ultimately drowned, and a flower, the Narcissus, marked the spot of his death. This myth captures the essence of narcissism – an excessive and sometimes harmful preoccupation with one's own self.

Narcissism is not just a personality type discussed in advice columns; it's a set of traits that psychologists have classified and studied. Psychologically, narcissism is defined as an inflated and grandiose self-image. To varying degrees, narcissists believe they are more attractive, intelligent, and important than others, and they feel entitled to special treatment. Psychologists recognize two primary forms of narcissism as a personality trait: grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism.

Grandiose narcissism is the more familiar type, characterized by traits such as extroversion, dominance, and a strong desire for attention and admiration. These individuals often seek power, sometimes becoming politicians, celebrities, or cultural leaders, not necessarily for noble reasons, but for the status and attention it brings. Vulnerable narcissists, on the other hand, may appear quieter and more reserved, yet they still possess a strong sense of entitlement and can be easily threatened or slighted.

However, the darker aspects of narcissism tend to emerge over the long term. Narcissists often act selfishly, leading to risky or unethical decisions for narcissistic leaders and dishonesty or infidelity in narcissistic partners. When their self-perception is challenged, they can become resentful and aggressive, affecting those around them.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is the extreme end of this behavior spectrum. It is classified as a psychological disorder and affects one to two percent of the population, with a higher prevalence among men. To be diagnosed with NPD, individuals must exhibit several specific traits, including a grandiose self-image, issues with empathy, a sense of entitlement, and an insatiable need for admiration and attention. These traits become a true personality disorder when they significantly impact a person's life and relationships.

Genetics play a strong role in narcissism, as suggested by twin studies, although the specific genes involved remain unclear. Environmental factors, such as parenting styles, also influence narcissism. For example, parents who excessively praise their children may encourage grandiose narcissism, while cold and controlling parents may foster vulnerable narcissism. Moreover, cultures that prioritize individualism and self-promotion tend to have higher levels of narcissism. In the United States, narcissism as a personality trait has been on the rise since the 1970s, driven by shifts in cultural values, the self-esteem movement, and the materialistic focus of society. More recently, the proliferation of social media has offered a platform for self-promotion, although it's important to note that social media itself does not necessarily cause narcissism but provides a means for narcissists to seek social status and attention.

The question then arises: can narcissists change and improve these negative traits? The answer is yes, but it's not a simple path. Self-reflection from an unflattering perspective can be challenging for people with narcissistic personality disorder. However, psychotherapy and practices that promote empathy and compassion toward others can help. The key is for narcissists to keep working on self-improvement, which can be a difficult but essential journey to achieve healthier relationships and a more balanced self-perception.