The Alleged Epidemic of Social Narcissism: Implications for Nurse Leaders

Research indicates that narcissistic personality disorder and subclinical narcissism may be reaching epidemic proportions within American society. It is thus probable that nursing administrators will encounter narcissistic behavior among their staff, supervisors, and/or patients and patient family members. It is therefore crucial that nurse leaders understand the causes of narcissism and how narcissistic behaviors might be addressed within health care settings. An awareness of these issues can help decrease the damage that narcissistic behaviors can have on individuals and institutions.