Study shows increase in narcissism

THE ISSUE: Report finds college students narcissistic WHAT WE THINK: Doesn't mean they need to be

A report released today finds that students are more narcissistic than ever. And the most pervasive cause? Survey says the "self-esteem movement" of the 1980s is the culprit.

Many parents raising children during this time focused on making their children feel "special," which studies say led to an overly self-centered generation.

Researchers believe these modern methods of child-rearing will have a negative effect on society, including the "breakdown of close relationships with others."

While this study may point to the attention of our parents as a negative factor, it is within our control to develop successful relationships with one another.

Just because a study finds that, on the whole, our generation is "more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and to exhibit game-playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors," due to narcissism, it does not mean we cannot recognize these problems and change them.

Certainly this studies findings are generalizations, but the results do reaffirm the often-repeated concept of the "me" generation.

At Boston College, we have many opportunities to make sacrifices for the greater good and to move beyond our self-absorbed generation. Let us take advantage of the opportunities granted to us by the University and realize our purpose at BC: to apply ourselves to academic pursuits, and above all, to devote ourselves to serving others.