There is a growing trend in society whereby people become psychologically entitled to the possessions, privileges, and benefits that are typically considered the norm.
This entitlement can lead people to behave in ways that are harmful to themselves and others.
Some behaviors related to psychological entitlement include self-absorption, excessive spending, substance abuse, reckless driving, and criminal behavior.
The Dangers of Psychological EntitlementWhat is psychological entitlement?
Psychological entitlement is a Term used to describe the belief that one is deserving of special treatment, privileges, or rewards without having done anything to deserve them.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the feeling that one is due something, especially because of who one is or what one has.”
This can often lead to people feeling upset, angry, and resentful when they don’t receive what they believe they are entitled to.
People with psychological entitlement often have high expectations of themselves and expect others to meet them.
They may also quickly take offense and react angrily when their expectations aren’t met.
This can cause problems in relationships as well as at work. People with psychological entitlement are often challenging to deal with because they tend to see things in black and white – good and bad – which makes negotiations difficult.
What Is a Sense of Entitlement?
A sense of entitlement can be considered a feeling of being in control and having what one believes is deserved.
It often arises when someone feels that they are not receiving what they feel they deserve or when someone feels that their needs are not being met.
This feeling can negatively impact relationships and lead to resentment and conflict.
There are a few reasons why people may develop a sense of entitlement. One reason may be past experiences where someone felt neglected or unsupported.
Another reason could be because someone has been given privileges without earning them or because they feel they are owed something based on their position in life.
Regardless of the source, developing a strong sense of entitlement can severely affect individuals and relationships.
The dangers of psychological entitlement: Consequences for individuals and society
The dangers of psychological entitlement are becoming increasingly evident in individuals and society.
Individuals who are psychologically entitled often have little regard for the rights and needs of others, leading to destructive consequences for themselves and those around them.
In addition, psychological entitlement can lead to sociopolitical developments that undermine the very fabric of society.
Societies that tolerate or even promote psychological entitlement ultimately suffer from a lack of trust, cohesion, and justice.
How Entitlement Mentality Affects Relationships and Mental Health
People with an entitlement mentality tend to think they are owed something, whether it be love, respect, or simply the opportunity to succeed.
They often expect others to meet their expectations without providing substantial effort or contribution.
This can cause problems in relationships because it creates a power dynamic in which one person is always demanding, and the other is always giving in.
It can also lead to mental health issues because people with entitlement mindsets tend to be self-centered and resentful.
Psychological entitlement in relationships: What to do if you are aware of it
We naturally want to feel appreciated and loved in a relationship. Unfortunately, for some people, this can lead to psychological entitlement.
Psychological entitlement is the belief that one is entitled to certain privileges or rewards in a relationship simply because they are in it.
This can damage not just the individual who feels entitled but also their partner, who may end up resentful or taken advantage of.
If you’re aware that your partner tends to have psychological entitlement, you can do a few things to help minimize its impact on your relationship.
When your partner feels they need constant confirmation that they’re worth your time and attention, it only reinforces their belief that they’re entitled to those things.
Instead of giving them what they want, try listening attentively without always needing to reassure them first.
The Cycle of Entitlement
The Cycle of Entitlement is a phrase to describe how people become habituated to receiving benefits and privileges that they do not deserve.
The cycle begins with someone noticing that they are receiving an excessive benefit, expecting others to give them the same treatment.
This behavior can lead to more and more benefits being given until, eventually, the person becomes so accustomed to the good fortune that they no longer recognize it as luck or circumstance but as their right.
This entitlement can lead to personal and societal problems, as people become less willing to work for what they have and instead demand that others hand it over to them on a silver platter.
Psychological entitlement in the workplace: How to deal with it
Entitlement is a feeling that someone should be treated in a certain way, whether it’s because they are owed something or considered better than others.
It’s a slippery slope and often challenging to spot. But entitlement can harm the workplace, leading to less employee satisfaction and productivity.
Here are three ways to deal with entitlement:
- Recognize when it’s happening and take action
- Address the issue head-on
- Create systems and procedures that promote fairness.
Conclusion
Psychological entitlement is a dangerous trend that can have far-reaching consequences.
It can lead to people feeling entitled to things they don’t deserve, such as financial stability or good health, and can result in them taking advantage of others.
