If They Say Why, Tell Them That It's Human Nature

We all think we know a narcissist: someone who is so blind to their own faults, and so keen to observe failings in others, that they are difficult to be around, or insufferable to work with. However, the term ‘narcissism’ has many meanings in psychological literature, from the banal to the deeply pathological. I will explore the range of human expressions of narcissism, from the idea of a human need for self-esteem through to psychopathy, and present evidence from studies in epidemiology and forensic psychology that shows why narcissism is such a unique and challenging problem.

Refugees are faced both with traumatic events during war and the challenges of building a new life post-displacement. Many of the 33 million refugee children around the world are able to do remarkably well, even though they have been faced with incredible adversity. Drawing on studies carried out with Syrian refugees in Jordan, I will discuss children’s strength during war and displacement. I will talk about what can be done to build resilience in the lives of young refugees.