GEN Y’S EGO TRIP TAKES A BAD TURN
In the California section of the Los Angeles Times newspaper (Tuesday, February 27, 2007), there appears an article regarding a new report suggesting that an overdose of self-esteem in college students could mean a rough road ahead.
According to a new study led by a San Diego State University psychologist, titled “Egos Inflating over Time”, researchers warn that a rising ego rush could cause personal and social problems for the Millennial Generation, also called Gen Y. People with an inflated sense of self tend to have less interest in emotionally intimate bonds and can lash out when rejected or insulted. Jean Twenge, an associate professor at San Diego State and lead author of the report, stated, “I’m concerned we are heading to a society where people are going to treat each other badly, either on the street or in relationships.”
The Narcissistic Personality Inventory asks students to react to such statements as: “If I ruled the world, it would be a better place”, “I think I am a special person”, and “I like to be the center of attention”. The study found that almost two-thirds of recent college students had narcissism scores that were above the average 1982 score. Thirty percent more college students showed elevated narcissism in 2006 than in 1982.
The Times article sited examples of inflated egos as: students who converse in the computer center while others are trying to concentrate, statements such as, “If you don’t have a me-first attitude, you won’t succeed” and self-centered attitudes from students who expect good grades simply for showing up at class.
How does Emotional Intelligence (EQ) fit into all of this? EQ is related to the ability to understand one’s own feelings and behavior as well as the capacity to sense the feelings and needs of others, and to utilize this information in a way that enhances interpersonal relationships. Empathy, compassion, cooperation and forgiveness are components of EQ. Without these emotions people cannot connect to each other. They become aggressive and pay no attention to the feelings of others; threaten others’ rights, violate or offend the rights of others and think only of themselves.
If, in fact, the Millennial Generation (Gen Y) has an inflated sense of self, tends to have less interest in emotionally intimate bonds and can lash out when rejected or insulted, eventually we could have a society in which narcissistic behavior is considered to be the norm.
Now….more than ever….it is important to recognize in those we love and care about whether or not they are exhibiting the “it’s all about me” attitude. Now is time to introduce into their lives a skill building program that assists in learning direct, honest, and appropriate expressions of thoughts, feelings and behaviors when dealing with others. This is a program that teaches one to be direct and honest in communicating with others without violating their rights.
Contact Anger Management Services for more information on this special skill building program that is customized, private and confidential and fits the needs of each client.
Karen Golob, CAMF, CH
9171 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 680
Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Call 310-276-1342
www.anger411.com
Contact us: info@anger411.com