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Entitlement is the belief that one inherently deserves privileges or special treatment regardless of circumstances or effort. This mindset can be problematic, not only for the individual who holds it but also for those around them. Entitlement has been linked to various negative psychological and social outcomes, including impaired relationships, reduced life satisfaction, and an increased likelihood of engaging in unethical behaviour. This article delves into the psychology of entitlement, its causes, and how it impacts both individuals and society.

Keywords: feeling entitled, psychological entitlement, overcoming entitlement, narcissism and entitlement

Entitlement is a psychological trait characterised by a sense of deservingness or self-importance, where individuals believe they should receive more than others based on no other factor than their perception of themselves. In psychological terms, entitlement is linked to narcissistic traits, but it can also manifest in people without diagnosable narcissism (Campbell & Miller, 2011).

Entitlement can manifest in different ways:

• Personal Entitlement: When an individual believes they deserve better treatment or more privileges than others in personal situations (e.g., relationships or work).
• Group Entitlement: When a person feels entitled to preferential treatment based on membership in a specific group, such as socio-economic class or ethnicity.

Several factors contribute to the development of an entitled mindset:

1. Narcissism: Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often exhibit a strong sense of entitlement. Narcissists tend to overestimate their own abilities and importance, leading them to believe that they deserve more than others (Miller et al., 2017). Narcissistic entitlement is rooted in a distorted sense of superiority, where the individual feels they are more special or important than others.
2. Parenting Styles: Research suggests that certain parenting styles may contribute to a sense of entitlement in children. Overly permissive parenting, where children are not held accountable for their actions and are constantly praised, may foster unrealistic expectations and a sense of deservingness without effort (Baumrind, 1991).
3. Cultural Influences: Societal messages that emphasise individual success, material wealth, and the pursuit of personal happiness can reinforce feelings of entitlement. Consumerism and media often portray the idea that individuals “deserve” luxury, attention, or admiration, which can lead to entitlement attitudes (Twenge & Campbell, 2009).
4. Low Frustration Tolerance: Individuals with a low tolerance for frustration may develop an entitled mindset because they are less able to cope with setbacks or delays in gratification. When faced with obstacles, these individuals may react with anger or indignation, feeling that they should not have to endure hardship (Sirois, 2014).

Entitlement is associated with several negative psychological outcomes, both for the individual and for their relationships.

Research has shown that individuals with high levels of entitlement tend to experience more negative emotions, including anger, frustration, and anxiety. This is largely due to the discrepancy between their expectations and reality. When entitled individuals do not receive the special treatment they feel they deserve, they often react with resentment, which can lead to chronic dissatisfaction and unhappiness (Zitek et al., 2010).

Entitled individuals often struggle in relationships due to their inflated sense of deservingness. They may demand more attention, validation, or resources from others, leading to one-sided dynamics that are emotionally draining for their partners, friends, or colleagues. Over time, this can cause resentment and conflict, as those around them tire of their unreasonable demands (Campbell et al., 2004).

Entitlement has also been linked to unethical behaviour. Studies suggest that entitled individuals are more likely to justify cheating, lying, or taking advantage of others because they believe they are entitled to success or rewards, regardless of the means (Piff et al., 2012). This mindset can have negative repercussions not only on personal relationships but also in professional and academic settings.

Entitlement does not only affect individuals; it also has broader societal implications. In societies where entitlement is prevalent, there is often a higher level of social inequality and division. People who feel entitled may view others as less deserving, which can fuel discrimination, resentment, and conflict between social groups.

Furthermore, in the workplace, entitlement can lead to reduced productivity and morale. Employees who feel entitled may put in less effort, expecting rewards or promotions without working for them. This behaviour can undermine team dynamics and lead to frustration among colleagues who are more hardworking or cooperative.

While entitlement can have damaging effects, it is possible to address and overcome this mindset with self-awareness and effort. Here are some strategies for reducing entitlement:

1. Practising Gratitude: Research has shown that cultivating gratitude can help counteract entitlement by shifting focus from what one lacks or deserves to what one already has. Gratitude fosters a sense of appreciation and humility, which can reduce the need for special treatment (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
2. Increasing Accountability: Encouraging personal responsibility and accountability can help mitigate entitled attitudes. This involves recognising one’s role in both successes and failures and understanding that rewards are typically earned through effort and perseverance, not automatically given (Miller et al., 2017).
3. Embracing Empathy: Entitled individuals often struggle with empathy, focusing more on their own needs than on the needs of others. Developing empathy can help individuals understand others’ perspectives and reduce the tendency to demand more than their fair share of resources or attention (Davis, 2018).
4. Setting Realistic Expectations: One of the primary reasons entitlement leads to dissatisfaction is the gap between expectations and reality. By setting more realistic expectations and acknowledging that life comes with both privileges and challenges, individuals can reduce feelings of frustration and resentment.

Entitlement, while a common mindset in today’s world, can have harmful effects on both individuals and society. It leads to impaired relationships, poor mental health, and unethical behaviour, while also exacerbating social inequality. However, through self-awareness, gratitude, accountability, and empathy, individuals can overcome entitled attitudes and develop a healthier, more balanced perspective.

• Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. The Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.
• Campbell, W. K., & Miller, J. D. (2011). The Handbook of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Theoretical Approaches, Empirical Findings, and Treatments. John Wiley & Sons.
• Campbell, W. K., Bonacci, A. M., Shelton, J., Exline, J. J., & Bushman, B. J. (2004). Psychological entitlement: Interpersonal consequences and validation of a self-report measure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 83(1), 29-45.
• Davis, M. H. (2018). Empathy: A social psychological approach. Routledge.
• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377-389.
• Miller, J. D., Widiger, T. A., & Campbell, W. K. (2017). Narcissistic personality disorder and the DSM-V. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 119(4), 640-649.
• Piff, P. K., Stancato, D. M., Côté, S., Mendoza-Denton, R., & Keltner, D. (2012). Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(11), 4086-4091.
• Sirois, F. M. (2014). Procrastination and stress: Exploring the role of self-compassion. Self and Identity, 13(2), 128-145.
• Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement. Free Press.
• Zitek, E. M., Jordan, A. H., Monin, B., & Leach, F. R. (2010). Victim entitlement to behave selfishly. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(2), 245-255.

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