More and more young people feel entitled, according to psychologists
Research has revealed that many young people are developing an entitlement complex, which stems from the belief that they are superior to others and more deserving of certain things and results in disappointment and a tendency to lash out.
The University of Hampshire found that youngsters who were observed on issues of entitlement scored 25% higher than people aged 40 to 60 and 50% higher than those over that age bracket, according to the Independent.
“At extreme levels, entitlement is a toxic narcissistic trait, repeatedly exposing people to the risk of feeling frustrated, unhappy and disappointed with life,” Dr Joshua Grubbs, who conducted the research, which was published in the Psychological Bulletin, said. “Often times, life, health, ageing and the social world don’t treat us as well as we’d like. Confronting these limitations is especially threatening to an entitled person because it violates their worldview of self-superiority.”
loading...
The study looked at 170 cases and revealed that entitlement leads to a cycle of disappointment, anger, negativity and a constant need for that person to tell themselves they are special. The entire mindset pits someone against other people. “When people think that they should have everything they want — often for nothing — it comes at the cost of relationships with others and, ultimately, their own happiness,” professor Julie Exline, who was also involved in the study, said.
Experts believe that individuals need to learn to become more humble, more grateful and accept their limitations, so that the entitled-mentality is erased. Psychology today suggests reflecting on annoying incidents from someone else’s point of view, promote other people’s achievements and stop justifying wrong things to yourself.
Loading...