What Is Narcissism? Science Confronts a Widely Misunderstood Phenomenon

Can you think of a narcissist? Some people might picture Donald Trump, perhaps, or Elon Musk, both of whom are often labeled as such on social media. Or maybe India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, who once wore a pinstripe suit with his own name woven in minute gold letters on each stripe over and over again.

But chances are you’ve encountered a narcissist, and they looked nothing like Trump, Musk or Modi. Up to 6 percent of the U.S. population, mostly men, is estimated to have had narcissistic personality disorder during some period of their lives. And the condition manifests in confoundingly different ways. People with narcissism “may be grandiose or self-loathing, extraverted or socially isolated, captains of industry or unable to maintain steady employment, model citizens or prone to antisocial activities,” according to a review paper on diagnosing the disorder.

Clinicians note several dimensions on which narcissists vary. They may function extremely well, with successful careers and vibrant social lives, or very poorly. They may (or may not) have other disorders, ranging from depression to sociopathy. And although most people are familiar with the “grandiose” version of narcissism—as displayed by an arrogant and pompous person who craves attention—the disorder also comes in a “vulnerable” or “covert” form, where individuals suffer from internal distress and fluctuations in self-esteem. What these seeming opposites have in common is an extreme preoccupation with themselves.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 1: No Poverty
• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13: Climate Action
• Goal 14: Life Below Water
• Goal 15: Life on Land

• SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

     • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
     • Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
     • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.

  2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

     • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
     • Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.

  3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

     • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
     • Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income.

  Explanation

  1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being is relevant because the article discusses narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its impact on mental health and well-being. The targets and indicators under this SDG focus on reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, promoting mental health, and reducing suicide rates.

  2. Target 3.4 specifically addresses the reduction of premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being. This target is relevant to the issues discussed in the article because it highlights the importance of addressing mental health conditions like NPD.

  3. The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards Target 3.4. Indicator 3.4.1 measures the mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease, which can be used to assess progress in reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases. Indicator 3.4.2 measures the suicide mortality rate, which can be used to monitor progress in promoting mental health and well-being.

  4. The table below presents the findings from analyzing the article:

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.	Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease. Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.
  SDG 5: Gender Equality	Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.	Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
  SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.	Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income.

  Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

  Source: scientificamerican.com

   

  

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