Is "Generation Me" Really More Narcissistic Than Previous Generations?

ABSTRACT In this commentary, we identify several methodological and conceptual issues that undermine Twenge, Konrath, Foster, Campbell, and Bushman's (this issue) claim that narcissism levels have been rising over the past few decades. Specifically, we discuss (a) the limitations of convenience...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of personality 2008-08, Vol.76 (4), p.903-918
Main Authors: Trzesniewski, Kali H., Donnellan, M. Brent, Robins, Richard W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Biological and medical sciences
College students
Coverage
Criticism
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Generational differences
Intergenerational relations
Media
Meta-analysis
Narcissism
Narcissistic personality disorder
Personality
Personality disorders
Personality traits
Personality. Affectivity
Psychology
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Research methodology
Sampling
Self-esteem
Social conditions & trends
Young people
Youth
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Summary:ABSTRACT In this commentary, we identify several methodological and conceptual issues that undermine Twenge, Konrath, Foster, Campbell, and Bushman's (this issue) claim that narcissism levels have been rising over the past few decades. Specifically, we discuss (a) the limitations of convenience samples for making inferences about generational differences, (b) our failure to replicate other cross‐temporal meta‐analytic findings using data from a nationally representative sample, and (c) issues surrounding the interpretation of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory. It is important to consider these issues given the extensive media coverage of Twenge et al.'s claim that today's youth are particularly narcissistic, which has wide‐ranging implications for how this generation of young adults views itself and is viewed by society at large.
ISSN:0022-3506
1467-6494
DOI:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2008.00508.x