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Today’s college students are more narcissistic (自恋的) and self-centered than their predecessors, according to a comprehensive new study by five psychologists who worry that the trend could be harmful to personal relationships and American society.
"We need to stop endlessly repeating ’You’re special’ and having children repeat that back," said the study’s lead author, Professor Jean Twenge of San Diego State Universi- ty. "Kids are self-centered enough already. " "Unfortunately, narcissism can also have very negative consequences for society, including the breakdown of close relationships with others," he said. The study asserts that narcissists "are more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and to exhibit -playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors. " Twenge, the author of Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled—and More Miserable Than Ever Before, said narcissists tend to lack empathy, react aggressively to criticism and favor self-promotion over helping others.
Some ysts have commended today’s young people for increased commitment to volunteer work. But Twenge viewed even this phenomenon skepticaiiy, noting that many high schools require community service and many youths feel pressure to list such endeavors on college applications.
Campbell said the narcissism upsurge seemed so pronounced (非常明显的) that he was unsure if there were obvious remedies. "Permissiveness seems to be a component," he said. "A potential antidote would be more authoritative parenting. Less indulgence might be called for. "
Yet students, while acknowledging some legitimacy to such findings, don’t necessarily accept negative generalizations about their generation.
Hanady Kader, a University of Washington senior, said she worked unpaid last summer helping resettle refugees and considers many of her peers to be civic-minded. But she is dismayed (气馁，灰心) by the competitiveness of some students who seem prematurely focused on career status. "We’re encouraged a lot to be individuals and go out there and do what you want, and nobody should stand in your way," Kader said. "I can see goals and ambitions getting in the way of other things like relationships. "
Karl Dalane, a University of Vermont sophomore, says most of her contemporaries are politically active and not overly self-centered. "People are worried about themselves—but in the sense of where they’re going to find a place in the world," she said."People want to look their best, have a good time, but it doesn’t mean they’re not concerned about the rest of the world. "
Besides, some of the responses on the narcissism test might not be worrisome, Dalane said. "It would be more depressing if people answered, ’No, I’m not special. ’\
2It is proper to be______when you hear someone say "I’m special. "