Under the patronage of the Dean of the College of Science for Women, Prof. Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim, the Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Unit organized an interactive contemplative workshop entitled “Illuminating the Self Toward Narcissism… Where Is the Boundary?”, in cooperation with psychological and counseling specialist Ms. Marwa Al-Mashali. The event was attended by a number of faculty members, staff, and students of the college.
The workshop focused on clarifying the concept of narcissism in its various dimensions, highlighting the essential distinctions between healthy self-love—which fosters self-confidence and motivates achievement—and excessive narcissism, which may develop into selfishness that affects social relationships and restricts one’s ability to empathize and communicate effectively with others.
Ms. Al-Mashali explained that narcissism is not necessarily negative; rather, it can serve as a driving force for success when directed positively. She noted that awareness of narcissistic tendencies and understanding their limits constitute a fundamental step toward building a balanced personality capable of coping with life’s diverse challenges. She also highlighted the indicators of excessive narcissism, such as excessive self-preoccupation, a constant need for praise, and difficulty accepting criticism, in contrast to the positive attributes of healthy self-love, including the ability to evaluate oneself objectively, acknowledge mistakes, and strive continuously for self-improvement.
The workshop included a set of interactive and contemplative exercises that helped students explore their inner selves and observe their behavioral patterns. It also featured a group discussion that enabled participants to share their experiences and reflections on the impact of self-esteem on academic and social life. Additionally, the workshop addressed the role of social media in reinforcing narcissistic tendencies and discussed strategies for managing societal pressures and expectations in a healthy and balanced manner.
The workshop emphasized its position as a fundamental pillar in supporting students’ mental well-being and in enhancing their skills in self-awareness and critical thinking. It also commended the significant efforts of the Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Unit in providing high-quality programs that contribute to shaping students’ personalities and developing their personal and behavioral skills. The workshop concluded with an expression of gratitude to Ms. Marwa Al-Mashali for her valuable contribution and to the unit for organizing such events, reaffirming the college’s commitment to continuing to offer specialized programs and workshops aimed at preparing an aware and balanced generation capable of facing life’s challenges with confidence and wisdom.
In conclusion, the workshop underscored that understanding the self and recognizing the differences between healthy self-love and excessive narcissism is not merely an academic topic, but an essential life skill that helps students build healthy relationships, develop personal capacities, and achieve psychological balance that positively impacts their academic and social lives. It expressed hope that such workshops would constitute an ongoing step toward enhancing students’ psychological awareness and preparing them to face life with confidence and stability.
