Donald Bersoff, PhD, JD is 2013 President of the American Psychological Association. In an interview with Monitor (APA publication) he was asked: “Why did you run for president?”

“There is a narcissistic part of it, and a doing good part. [Bersoff goes on to explain the “doing good” part by stating his particular executive priorities for the organization; and then continues about the narcissistic part.] The narcissistic part is, to take part in a profession for 50 years and then finally have the opportunity to lead it is a great honor.”

Instantly I trust the man!
And instantly I wonder about whether our national presidential leaders have the same cojones of self-awareness. (See my prior post Psychology of Presidential Ambition for additional context).

Self-aware narcissism is just another name for healthy ambition.

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Pavel Somov, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and the author of "Eating the Moment" (New Harbinger, 2008), "Present Perfect" (NH, 2010), "The Lotus Effect" (NH, 2010), "Smoke Free Smoke Break" (2011), and "Reinventing the Meal" (2012). He is in private practice in Pittsburgh, PA. His book website is www.eatingthemoment.com

Marla Somova, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist in private practice and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Counseling at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. She is the co-author of "Smoke Free Smoke Break" (2011).

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    Last reviewed: 30 Dec 2012