FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nikki Shasserre c: (734) 330-6710,

nshasserre@focusonline.org,

FOCUS Director of Public Relations

FOCUS LEADER SAYS COLLEGE STUDENTS ARE “CALLED TO GREATNESS”

President of Student Organization Responds to New Study

“College Students More Narcissistic”

DENVER, Colo., March 2, 2007 – A newly released study finds that “today's college students are more narcissistic and self-centered than their predecessors,” according to a study by psychologists.  The study “examined the responses of 16,475 college students nationwide who completed an evaluation called the Narcissistic Personality Inventory between 1982 and 2006.”  http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070227/ap_on_re_us/self_centered_students

After getting national media attention, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), one of the fastest growing movements in the Catholic Church, responded.  “This study points out the dangers of a half truth. It’s true that young people and all people are special but it’s a lie to leave people thinking that this condition is for their own personal enjoyment,” said Curtis Martin, FOCUS President and Founder.  “Each of us was made by God for a particular purpose and that does make us special, but that purpose is to lay down our lives and care for others. It’s not all about “me” it’s all about “us”.” 

Researchers of the study blame what they call the "self-esteem movement" from the 1980s for this phenomenon.  They point to examples of the booming success of the popular web sites MySpace and YouTube.  The study quoted Hanady Kader, a University of Washington senior, "We're encouraged a lot to be individuals and go out there and do what you want, and nobody should stand in your way," Kader said. "I can see goals and ambitions getting in the way of other things like relationships."

 “The solution to this problem is not to stop telling young people that they’re special but rather to tell them why and to call them to the greatness that they were made for. Something inside each of us knows that we were made to serve something larger than ourselves.  Young people are introduced to the person of Jesus Christ and recognize that this is precisely what they are made for,” Curtis Martin said.  

 “Narcissism of this generation is the byproduct of the selfishness of previous generations; a generation who chose to contracept their way to 2.3 children and then raise them in a lifestyle that never allows them to share anything. Generosity is the key to happiness in this life, not self-indulgence.” 

 ABOUT FOCUS: FOCUS is a national student outreach organization serving both secular and Catholic college campuses. FOCUS brings the teachings of Christ and the faith and moral traditions of the Catholic Church to college students, giving them the tools to help share those teachings with their friends and family. The organization’s primary objective is to form communities on college campuses nationwide where students can follow Jesus Christ and live out their Catholic faith in environments that are often hostile to such beliefs.  www.focusonline.org

Media Note: To interview Curtis Martin, contact Nikki Shasserre, FOCUS Director of Public Relations at 734-330-6710.

Attachment: “Study: College students more narcissistic” By David Crary

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