“Protagonist Syndrome” is a term that gets attention in discussions about children’s behavior, and it’s one that makes parents wonder. Does my child have these symptoms too? This phenomenon occurs when a child believes that he or she is the central figure in every situation and acts as if the world revolves around him or her. This self-centeredness may be a natural part of development, but some experts suggest it may also reflect a deeper problem. Read on to find out how to tell if your teen has Protagonist Syndrome.
“Protagonist syndrome is not a clinical term, but it is a popular phrase to describe when someone acts like the star of the movie of their lives and everyone else is just part of the supporting cast,” says child psychologist Caitlin Slavens, MC. What maternal psychologists said Parents.com In a recent interview.
“For teens, this may mean making themselves the center of attention or narrating their lives as if they were in a TikTok montage.” According to Slavens, Protagonist Syndrome is not an inherently bad thing. “But when it becomes excessive, it can cause (teens) to disconnect from reality or other people’s feelings.”
In a world shaped by social media and celebrity culture, understanding Protagonist Syndrome has become increasingly important for parents who want to foster humility, cooperation, and kindness in their children. Here are some identifiers of MCS according to experts:
- Expressing personal experiences through exaggerated storytelling
- Focus on appearance and self-expression
- Focusing on yourself, focusing on conversations and events
- Unwillingness or inability to engage with another person’s experiences or feelings
- Showcasing a curated online presence that prioritizes perfection or drama. Posting or describing your life online as if it were a reality show.
- Make decisions based on the “storyline.”
- It’s difficult to recognize that other people have their own experiences or perspectives.
- Excessively dramatizing or distorting minor events to fit the ‘main character’s story’
Shari B. Kaplan, LCSW, a clinical social worker and clinical director of Cannectd Wellness, says MCS can “…increase the focus on self-expression, often fueled by the narrative-driven culture of social media. “It can be a normal part of adolescent development, forming an identity, but it can shift into unhealthy territory when empathy and awareness of others diminish.”
“But this can be prevented with the right type of support, through parental empathy and support for the child’s experiences of emotions such as fear, sadness and disgust during childhood,” she concludes.
What can parents do if their teens recognize these signs? Kaplan offers the following suggestions to parents:
- Encourage self-awareness: Help teens understand the difference between confidence and egocentrism.
- Promotes Balance: We encourage activities that emphasize teamwork, community involvement, and empathy.
- Model authenticity: Showing teens the importance of balancing their online personas with real-life connection and vulnerability.
- Cultivate critical thinking about social media. Encourage discussion about the curated nature of social media and the unrealistic standards it promotes.
- Building Resilience: Help teens develop self-esteem rooted in character, values, and accomplishments rather than external validation.
As experts suggest, teenage protagonist syndrome can be a natural part of development as they explore their own identity, so it’s important for parents to guide their children to have empathy and a sense of balance. Encouraging self-awareness, fostering healthy relationships, and encouraging collaboration can help teens develop more balanced perspectives and grow into thoughtful individuals who understand the importance of shared experiences and community.
