The Phenomenon of Narcissism in Eritrean Society: Causes, Effects, and Treatment

Preface This book, The Phenomenon of Narcissism in Eritrean Society: Causes, Effects, and Treatment, represents a rigorous academic effort to understand and analyze the profound impact of narcissism on various aspects of life in Eritrea. Amidst the ongoing social, political, and economic changes that the country is experiencing, it has become increasingly necessary to shed light on this growing phenomenon and examine its far-reaching consequences on both individuals and the broader community Spanning twenty comprehensive chapters, the book addresses the subject of narcissism from multiple perspectives. It begins with foundational definitions and theoretical concepts, exploring the impact of narcissism on the political and economic elites, as well as its influence on family dynamics and social interactions. The book also considers narcissism from historical and cultural viewpoints, tracing how the phenomenon has evolved over time and affected Eritrean society in diverse ways The initial chapters provide a precise definition of narcissism from a psychological standpoint, tracing its development through history and emphasizing the importance of studying narcissism in modern societies. The discussion then shifts to an analysis of the causes of narcissism within Eritrean society, highlighting the cultural and social factors, the effects of wars and conflicts, and the role of media and modern technology in amplifying this phenomenon As the book progresses, it examines the impact of narcissism across various strata of Eritrean society, from political and economic elites to gender differences in narcissistic expression, and its association with other psychological disorders like depression. A dedicated chapter explores how to identify narcissism by reviewing its signs and symptoms, distinguishing between normal and pathological narcissism, and offering guidance on dealing with narcissistic individuals In the context of family and social relationships, the book discusses the impact of narcissism on marital relationships, parenting, friendships, and its influence on the workplace environment. It also explores the role of upbringing and education in either reducing or enhancing narcissistic traits, with examples drawn from the Eritrean educational system In the later chapters, the book delves into the influence of narcissism on media and social media platforms, their role in creating new narcissists, and examines criminal behaviors related to narcissism, particularly how Eritrean legal authorities handle narcissistic offenders The book concludes with an analysis of the role of religious institutions in combating narcissism and explores the influence of this phenomenon on Eritrea’s foreign policy. It also presents a vision for how narcissism can be confronted and social change achieved in Eritrean society The four appendices further expand the discussion by comparing the prevalence of narcissistic personality disorder among different ethnic and religious groups in Eritrea, and by exploring the impact of narcissism on relations between Eritrean society and neighboring communities, particularly in the context of historical colonial ambitions and complex interrelations This book aims to provide a comprehensive academic framework for understanding narcissism within Eritrea’s social and cultural context and offers practical recommendations for addressing this pervasive issue at both individual and societal levels. It is our hope that this work will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, mental health professionals, and all those concerned with the future of Eritrean society