Self-adulation

Self-adulation refers to excessive and often unwarranted praise or admiration of oneself. It's a form of narcissism, where an individual inflates their own importance, abilities, and achievements. This behavior frequently manifests as a strong need for external validation and a tendency to boast about personal qualities or successes, sometimes exaggerating them. Self-adulation can manifest in various forms, from subtle self-congratulatory remarks to overt displays of ego and pride. It often involves a disregard for the perspectives and accomplishments of others, focusing solely on one's perceived superiority. Individuals prone to Self-adulation may also be overly sensitive to criticism and react defensively when their self-image is challenged.

Self-adulation meaning with examples

• The CEO's annual report was filled with Self-adulation, describing the company's successes with glowing terms while downplaying any failures. He presented himself as a visionary leader responsible for every triumph, rarely acknowledging the contributions of the team. This constant need for validation was evident as he constantly praised his work and achievements in emails. His colleagues grew weary of his self-promotional behavior, perceiving it as an insecurity.
• Sarah's social media feed was a constant stream of Self-adulation, posting photos of herself at exclusive events, and sharing posts boasting about her accomplishments. Every achievement, no matter how small, was presented as a major triumph. Her posts received an overwhelming amount of engagement and likes, further fueling her self-absorbed behavior. Friends noted that her self-congratulatory approach alienated many people and fueled many arguments.
• Despite his mediocre performance on the project, Mark constantly engaged in self-adulation. He took credit for others' work, making sure to highlight any small contributions he made. During the project debrief, he exaggerated his own role and dismissed his colleague's feedback. He presented his actions as an example to be followed by others, despite not being requested to do so by senior members of the company.
• The political candidate's speeches were riddled with Self-adulation, praising his own policies as revolutionary and demonizing his opponents. He crafted a narrative where his opponents were incapable of understanding his brilliance. He constantly referenced his perceived success, often out of context, to create a sense of awe around his campaign. This tactic, though effective in his own eyes, ultimately proved to be damaging to his reputation in the long run.
• John's Self-adulation was evident in his constant self-comparison to others. He boasted about his skills and talents, often highlighting his superiority in social interactions and professional settings. He was always looking for validation. Friends and family found his behavior tiresome, frequently reminding him about the impact his behaviour had on their interactions. He's always eager to win an argument, and never willing to hear a differing viewpoint.