Narcissism Health Cost Higher Among Men
Narcissism – an inflated sense of self-importance, entitlement, overestimation of uniqueness and a sense of grandiosity – is more than just an unattractive trait, new research indicates it may be physically damaging for men. The study from the University of Michigan found that unhealthy narcissism in men can wreck havoc on their health. An over abundance of vanity and egotism may chronically activate the body’s key stress response system, and may put them at an increased risk for cardiovascular and endocrine problems. The superiority trait appears to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, which increases cortisol secretion and subsequent stress levels. This does not appear to be the case for women, however. The researchers add that “considering the rising narcissism among both men and women in American culture, there may be potential long-term public health consequences if these trends continue.”
Narcissism – an inflated sense of self-importance, entitlement, overestimation of uniqueness and a sense of grandiosity – is more than just an unattractive trait, new research indicates it may be physically damaging for men. The study from the University of Michigan found that unhealthy narcissism in men can wreck havoc on their health. An over abundance of vanity and egotism may chronically activate the body’s key stress response system, and may put them at an increased risk for cardiovascular and endocrine problems. The superiority trait appears to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis, which increases cortisol secretion and subsequent stress levels. This does not appear to be the case for women, however. The researchers add that “considering the rising narcissism among both men and women in American culture, there may be potential long-term public health consequences if these trends continue.”
