Psychological entitlement is a mindset that assumes you deserve special treatment without having to work hard for it. Unfortunately, this attitude can have negative repercussions in your life such as poor relationships or depression.
Five studies (N = 2,372) revealed that people high in entitlement were motivated by status. This drive fostered prestige and dominance desires, as well as greater benign and malicious envy when encountering those of higher status.
1. Disappointment
Disappointment is a powerful emotion that can lead to depression and other mental health problems, as well as impact personal and romantic relationships.
When facing disappointment, it is beneficial to reflect on what you can learn from it and take positive steps forward. Holding onto negative thoughts in your head only serves to make letting go of disappointment more difficult and prevent you from moving on with life.
In the long run, your experience will allow you to develop as a person and become better. It also helps create an accurate perspective of what it is you truly desire in life.
Disappointment is an emotion we all experience from time to time, but if left unchecked it can have negative repercussions for our wellbeing. Not only does it make it difficult for you to focus on the task at hand, but it may even cause you to put off taking action when necessary.
However, if you can identify that feeling entitled and refuse to let it rule your life, you can learn how to manage this emotion more effectively. This is particularly important if you are struggling with depression or other mental health issues.
Another way to combat your feelings of entitlement is by being kind to yourself. Although this may seem counterintuitive at first, it can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself.
It’s essential to remember that no one can give you what you desire. You must work hard in order to earn your rewards, and should never feel as though someone owes you something just because you are good at something. In the long run, this will lead to greater happiness and fulfillment in life.
2. Poor Relationships
Entitlement can have a significant detrimental effect on your relationships with other people. It may cause intense emotional distress, resentment and disappointment in others; additionally, it may create feelings of alienation from friends and family which in turn leads to depression.
In addition to the psychological toll entitlement can take on your relationships, it also has physical consequences. Studies have revealed that chronic stress from interpersonal difficulties may contribute to conditions such as autoimmune diseases, heart disease and certain cancers.
If you work with someone who has an entitlement mentality, it is essential to learn how to effectively deal with them. While you cannot change them, there are steps you can take to minimize their influence in your life and prevent any harm from being done as a result of their attitude.
First and foremost, you should understand why they act this way. It may be due to insecurity or an unmet need.
Another essential step you should take is setting boundaries. Doing this will let them know that their desires will not always be granted and it teaches them there are limits to their behavior.
Additionally, you should assist them in fulfilling any commitments they make. Doing so will prevent them from breaking their word and harming you or others in the future.
Finally, it’s essential to remember that these people are only doing what they believe they deserve. It isn’t their responsibility to care about who gets hurt in order to obtain what they desire; rather, your role should be helping them comprehend how their actions have affected others and setting up consequences which have meaning for them.
3. Depression
Depression often brings on feelings of sadness and hopelessness, yet these can last for weeks, months or even years. Fortunately, many people who struggle with this condition find relief eventually.
If you are struggling with depression, seeking professional assistance is highly recommended. According to statistics, one in ten people will experience this condition at some point during their life. Depressive feelings can be brought on by various factors like personality traits or early childhood experiences that were detrimental.
Depression is incurable, but treatment can help. You also have the power to prevent it by managing stress levels and improving self-esteem.
Depression is a widespread psychiatric disorder that can be treated with medications, therapy and other mental health services. It affects people of all ages, genders and backgrounds alike.
Some individuals suffering from depression can lose touch with reality, leading to hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) and delusions (beliefs about something that are not true). They may also feel as if someone is watching them or following them.
Feelings of loneliness and a lack of self-assurance in managing stressful situations can result in feelings of failure. People may not be able to appreciate their relationships with friends and family, making it difficult for them to focus at work or school.
Entitled individuals often experience low self-worth and the inability to live a fulfilling life. They may also be prone to self-neglect, which can have physical consequences like high blood pressure or heart issues. Furthermore, they may develop an addiction to using drugs and alcohol for emotional relief; this behavior could indicate deeper-rooted mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
4. Low Self-Esteem
Everyday life brings with it its share of ups and downs, such as getting good grades on an exam, having a wonderful relationship with friends, or experiencing romantic ups and downs. But when these thoughts and beliefs about yourself become persistent and don’t respond to efforts at self-care, then seeking professional help from a mental health professional is necessary.
People with low self-esteem often feel insecure and unlovable. They fear judgment and criticism, so they avoid social situations where they might be judged negatively. Additionally, these individuals struggle to establish healthy boundaries with others.
It can be daunting to break free of negative thought patterns that have formed over time, but recognizing their source can help you take steps toward increasing your confidence and self-worth. For instance, setting small objectives to work toward is a great place to start.
Eventually, your small achievements will add up to a major transformation. The key is taking action and making changes that boost your confidence levels, according to Clarke.
For example, if you find yourself having negative thoughts about yourself when looking in the mirror, try practicing complimenting yourself more often. It may feel awkward at first, but with practice it will become easier.
Another way to boost your self-esteem is to spend a few minutes each day reflecting on the things that are going well in your life. Focusing only on the positives can be toxic, but it’s an effective way to start altering your thinking patterns and cultivate a more optimistic mindset.
As a result, you’ll begin to feel better about yourself and your abilities. It is essential to remember that even when things seem dire, there are always people out there who care about you and want you to succeed.
5. Complacency
Complacency can be a real issue in the workplace. It makes employees less productive, loyal to their company and creative.
Workplace stress can even lead to dangerous work practices, like taking shortcuts and neglecting workplace hazards. This leaves workers less able to provide for their peers’ safety needs and decrease compassion towards others.
When it comes to the workplace, one of the most effective ways to combat complacency is providing regular feedback. Doing this allows you to monitor how your team members are performing, identify any issues and motivate them to develop their abilities.
You can also give them a break in their routine, whether for a brief time or simply assigning a new task. Doing so will give them an opportunity to shift their perspective and demonstrate your appreciation for their contributions.
Many individuals who feel entitled often believe they deserve something they don’t possess, such as financial security or job recognition. They may also feel the need for credit for their accomplishments or success in life.
Leaders can combat entitlement by encouraging risk-taking and challenging employees to excel. Doing this will prevent employees from becoming too comfortable in their roles and losing motivation for what they do.
Entitlement is a real issue, but it can be remedied with the right amount of effort and awareness. You can start by recognizing signs that someone may have an entitlement issue and then work to modify their mindset and behaviors accordingly. Furthermore, helping them learn accountability for their actions and decisions will ultimately create a more positive work environment.
