Self-Involvement

Self-involvement is being excessively preoccupied with one’s own interests, thoughts, feelings, and needs, to the detriment of/attention to others. The self-involved are self-absorbed (deep into their own thoughts and feelings), self-centered/ egocentric (only care about themselves and their needs), excessively self-focused (only see things from their vantage point, assume others share their concerns, dominate conversations, make everything about themselves), and selfish (take more than give). Self-involvement can stem from defense mechanisms or underlying issues and can damage empathy, relationships, and worsen mental health (like anxiety through negative self-rumination). Some self-involvement is necessary for normal functioning, by “completing” the self.