I'm a nar... a narciss.. oh, whatever. I'm special.

The results are in.

The Associated Press reports that the Narcissistic Personality Inventory by San Diego State University shows two-thirds of college students have above-average scores in narcissism, 30% more than in 1982.

The survey asks students to rate statements like, “If I ruled the world, it would be a better place,” “I think I am a special person” and “I can live my life any way I want to.”

Narcissism can have benefits, said study coauthor W. Keith Campbell of the University of Georgia, suggesting it could be useful in meeting new people “or auditioning on American Idol. ”

(Or, hey, judging contestants on American Idol, for that matter).

Narcissists tend to lack empathy, react aggressively to criticism and favor self-promotion over helping others.

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.”

The trend could be harmful to personal relationships and American society as whole, the report said.

But, uh, careers in psychotherapy look bright.


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