Narcissism: The
science behind the
rise of a modern
'epidemic'
The subject of narcissism has intrigued people for centuries, but social scientists
now claim that it has become a modern “epidemic”.
The term narcissism originated more than 2,000 years ago, when Ovid wrote
the legend of Narcissus. He tells the story of a beautiful Greek hunter who,
one day, happens to see his reflection in a pool of water and falls in love with it.
He becomes obsessed with its beauty, and is unable to leave his reflected image
until he dies. After his death, the flower narcissus grew where he lay.
The concept of narcissism was popularised by the psychoanalyst Sigmund
Freudthrough his work on the ego and its relationship to the outside world; this
work became the starting point for many others developing theories on
narcissism. According to Sigmund Freud, narcissism is a normal stage in child
development, but it is considered a disorder when it occurs after puberty.
So when does it become a problem?
Narcissism lies on a continuum from healthy to pathological. Healthy narcissism is
part of normal human functioning. It can represent healthy self-love and
confidence that is based on real achievement, the ability to overcome setbacks and
derive the support needed from social ties.
But narcissism becomes a problem when the individual becomes preoccupied with
the self, needing excessive admiration and approval from others, while showing
disregard for other people’s sensitivities. If the narcissist does not receive the
attention desired, substance abuse and major depressive disorder can develop.
Narcissists often portray an image of grandiosity or overconfidence
to the world, but this is only to cover up deep feelings of insecurity
