February 24, 2023
If taking care of your ego is fundamental for self-esteem and therefore well-being, you should not let it take over. At the risk of becoming egocentric, another way of saying that the ego is oversized. For what ?
Before talking about egocentrism, it is important to remember what the ego is. In Greek, this word means “me” or “I”. It is therefore, in terms of psychology, “the awareness and representation that I have of myself as a person”, defines the public mental health establishment of Lille Métropole. And it is important to have a positive self-image so as not to suffer from a lack of self-esteem. However, the opposite, that is to say a tendency to consider only one’s point of view and one’s own interests is also harmful.
When a person has an oversized ego, it means that he feels he has more rights, more privileges, more advantages than others. She has developed too high a self-esteem. To the point of considering the needs of others as inferior, and even worthless.
Risk of isolation
It is certainly unpleasant to be in contact with such personalities. However, having an oversized ego yourself can be harmful to well-being. Indeed, when you always believe you are right, relationships with others can become complicated and lead to conflict. Without the person with the too present ego understanding where the problem comes from. Because she always thinks she is right. Hence tension, stress and suffering and social isolation.
Not a disorder in the clinical sense
That being so, “egocentrism can in no way be called a disorder”, recalls Myriam Sanchez, psychologist in Toulouse on her site. Unlike narcissism which is a clinical and pathological entity.
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Source : public mental health establishment of Lille metropolis – site Myriam Sanchez, psychologist in Toulouse
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Written by : Dominique Salomon – Edited by: Emmanuel Ducreuzet
