Unfortunately I think it is epidemic in today's world especially with the entitled younger generation. To the best of my knowledge my son is decent to his GF and other people he encounters though. His stepdad is quite a nice guy, just not a great partner...although nothing like the N.

Whilst I can agree to a certain extent, remember there is a difference between people with NPD (a disorder developed in early childhood) and those who are just pure narcissistic (i.e. self-focused, selfish, etc. )...that is, people who just act in a "narcissistic way". And today's western societies are certainly encouraging narcissistic behaviour as people are told to look after No 1.

People without narcissistic ways can no doubt change their ways IF they become aware of them, and were motivated enough to change. People with full blown NPD never change.

And a certain level of narcissism (a healthy level) can be a good thing for helping to have boundaries and self protection, self esteem, etc.

It is true that the West, with its 'it is all about me' and 'we are #1' mentality fosters narcissism (although as Lassie states not necessarily a disorder.

Do you know that psychopaths barely exist in the East? Is like less then half of a percent .05, where in the United States it is way over that. It shows me that the culture can have an affect although all personality disorders are thought to be highly genetic.

Ive been watchin alot of documentaries on the things in our food. it seems the government we trust to regulate things is actually killing us slowly and our brain cells. studies shows that all the hormones and pesticides and antibiotics are having a major effect on our health and culture as a whole. and the FDA approves it. I think its our culture as a whole creating narc tendancies. everyone feels they are entitled to something, and most know nothing about the rights they claim to have. The general population brain power is decreasing... and sickness is increasing. I dont think anyone is born a Narc. I think screwed up people make screwed up kids who grow to screwed up adults. of course there is always an exception to a rule.
most of us, not all, have had dysfunctional families which lead us to our love addiction.

I didn't know that in the East, Susy, psychopaths barely exist. How interesting. I definitely agree culture has an effect.
And Dracona, in my case, I don't trust the government. You are right, pesticides and all these things are really having a major effect on us. I mean, why is fluoride added to our water? Its expensive...and really...can't we just be reminded to brush our teeth? Apparently fluoride ingestion has a sedatory effect. Also, with the whole H1N1 scare. It was all over the media, and then nothing really happened. I even got the vaccine and I regret it because...what is REALLY in there? I read the list of ingredients when I got it...but even that I don't trust. Also there's the issue of BPA, Bisphenol-A which is present in most canned foods and many plastics (baby toys) which has a horrible effect on humans, but is still being used unnecessarily. Wireless internet is now the rage and I believe it can disrupt thinking. I feel like I need to move to a deserted island sometimes and grow all my own food 0_o.

Many things have gotten out of hand, and in the end, its the individual that pays. I hope things will change in the future.

Interesting....I also think that faith and religion play their part. Though I have chosen Christianity as mine, I think many other types of religion (especially in the Far East), eg Buddhism, etc. are much more a "way of life"....peace and love, self development, karma, etc...which would prevent selfishness and arrogance to take over.

Actually, a true Christian, living a wanna be like Jesus life, genuinely spiritual and really following the go-the-extra-mile, selfless love message of Christianity, should also be free of any narcissistic tendencies....but.....unfortunately (as many of us know) many so-called Christians go to church on Sundays (all holier than thou) and then give their partner the silent treatment (or worse) the rest of the week!

My 1998/2003 exN hubbie and recent exN boyfriend were BOTH "devout" Christians!!! HUH! The latter was even a hospital chaplain. GOD HELP US!

I think the breakdown of "family" and the isolation it brings ( instead of having the extended family all around, as it used to be, with a host of wise mentors at our fingertips....thinking of the Waltons as I write this!) has resulted in many adults becoming "lost" and pretty clueless about parenting. Many are emotionally damaged and emotionally immature.....how can they then go onto to raise emotionally solid children?!

I come from a dysfunctional family and my love addiction has affected MY children...but I feel I have done my best and we can talk about such things openly and honestly. Someone who has known me all my life praised me recently and said that I had done the complete opposite with MY children to the upbringing I had! I certainly hope so!! I hope the cycle is broken!

Just wanted to clarify something...my comment was about NPD and the seemingly increasing numbers of those who could most likely be diagnosed as NPD. I am aware that plain ole narcissism is evident to some degree in all or almost all humans. But just using this site as a means of measurement one can see by the increasing number of members that NPD has become a major problem. Then we could most certainly multiply that fact by an unknown amount to include those thousands who have not been fortunate enough to find this board but who are struggling with the same problem. Something has gone very wrong. I hear what you are all saying about our religions, our culture, our parenting skills etc....and I find it a very interesting discussion but it's a real tragedy that it's a behavior that's hardly addressed, barely recognized and mostly ignored except by those effected. If professionals can't address it and I understand that too...the only other salvation would have to be education. I'm 68 years old. I was a psych major back in the day...I've only become aware of this behavior within the last year or so and I read tons of stuff. Why don't more people know about NPD? I think I'll call my old alma mater and see whether they've added it to the subject matter.

Amen, Dracona.