I am not really feeling this article. Its not about me at all.

Thanks Jon. That was interesting. Not surprising it would affect empathy with comments like this:

""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."

And this:

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 game-playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors."

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If it's all about "what can this do for me" and the "this" is a job or a relationship or whatever, it has to be self-focused. And I guess the feelings of the narcissist would be more important than the other person's feelings. Right? To the point of not even noticing or caring about the other person's feelings. There may even be a sense of entitlement. To do the game playing or being dishonest or not putting into a relationship what is needed. It's not a "couple", it a narcissist and his/her complementary accessory.

Had a thread going awhile back on Narcissism:
tribes.tribe.net/acornutop...2f82340dd0

Here's a wiki link on NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder), also posted in the above thread:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narc...y_Disorder

There are links to outside articles in the wiki one. Excerpts:

"(NPD) Lifetime prevalence is estimated at 1% in the general population and 2% to 16% in clinical populations. Fifty to 75% of those with this diagnosis are men."

People who have a narcissistic personality style rather than narcissistic personality disorder are generally psychologically healthy, but may at times be arrogant, proud, shrewd, confident, self-centered and determined to be at the top. They do not, however, have an unrealistic image of their skills and worth and are not dependent on praise to sustain a healthy self-esteem.

Overreacts to criticism, becoming angry or humiliated

Uses others to reach goals

Exaggerates own importance

Entertains unrealistic fantasies about achievements, power, beauty, intelligence or romance

Has unreasonable expectations of favorable treatment

Seeks constant attention and positive reinforcement from others

Is easily jealous [4]

Has a sense of entitlement

Is interpersonally exploitative

Lacks empathy

Displays arrogant, haughty behaviours

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I'm guessing they refer to more of the narcissistic personality STYLE in the article you posted, Jon, but they mention many of the things that are part of the disorder. Perhaps a bit of reinforcement pushes the style more into the disorder? What do you think?

Really interesting article Jon, thanks.

So is this an inevitable response to pushing high self esteem in children, evolutionary wise? Or is it more to do with American culture at large and where it has been heading anyways?

This study is obviously bias, this only pertains to the white population. As for the minority's we probably will never have this problem. For that once you are conceived, your automatically considered trash. In fact, when your born the doctor (if your lucky enough to have one present) will give you a complimentary but mandatory stamp on the forehead. Stating in very large font, that "your not going to do SHIT with your life, and that you'll be lucky to even become a piece of SHIT" : ) : ) : ) The best thing to do in these situations, is to pray that you can at least get a respectable degree in the Custodial Arts!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! : ) : ) : )

From a member of GENERATION Y.