Can you believe it?

Over half (58%) of young adults (aged 18 to 24-year-olds) in the US live with their parents, as reported by the US Census Bureau.

Stats Canada's 2021 census found that 35.1% of young adults aged 20 to 34 are living with at least one parent.

A lady looking surprised

Young adults may live with their parents due to economic hardship. However, some capable adults may live with their parents due to "entitled dependence syndrome (EDS)."

The Signs of EDS

The signs can vary depending on the individual, but some common signs include:

  1. Refusing to take responsibility for actions: a reluctance or unwillingness to accept and acknowledge the consequences of your own actions and decisions.

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  1. Lacking empathy for other people: an inability or unwillingness to understand and share the feelings of others.

A man saying

  1. Challenges with criticism or rejection: a struggle in dealing with negative feedback or rejection, often leading to feelings of defensiveness or aggression.

A woman looking defensive, saying

Other signs include:

  1. Strong sense of entitlement: a belief that you deserve more than what you've earned or are entitled to based on your actions and abilities.

  2. Inability to maintain healthy relationships: difficulty establishing and maintaining positive relationships with others.

  3. Challenges with impulse control: acting impulsively without considering the potential consequences of one's actions.

Quiz

Timmy is caught breaking a vase, but he blames his brother for misplacing it. When his parents confront him about it, he refuses to apologize. Based on this scenario, which sign of entitled dependence syndrome does Timmy's behavior show?

The Causes of EDS

Common reasons behind entitled behavior are:

An icon of a shield Overprotection

  • People who are shielded from challenges.

  • Developing a sense of entitlement and dependency on others to meet their needs.

An icon of a Newton's cradle representing consequence Lack of consequences

  • People who aren't held accountable for their actions.

  • Believing that they can get away with anything.

An icon of a child with hurt head, representing childhood trauma Trauma

  • People who have experienced trauma such as abuse or neglect

  • Developing a sense of entitlement as a way to cope with their trauma.

Flaticon Icon Cultural or societal factors

  • Some cultures or societies may reinforce the idea that certain people are entitled to certain privileges or benefits, leading to an entitlement mindset.

The "Treatment" of EDS

Instead of thinking the world "owes you something" — an unhealthy belief — work on your mental strength to help you move away from entitled feelings.

A man sitting on a sofa, thinking about his problems.

Acknowledge the problem that you're overly dependent on others. Are you:

  • Constantly asking for help to perform basic tasks?

  • Afraid of being alone?

  • Unable to make decisions on your own?

A woman looking through the window and thinking.

Analyze any underlying assumptions that the world owes you, such as:

  • "Everything should go well for me."

  • "This undervalues me."

  • "I'm really unique and special."

  • "I deserve better."

A woman reading a book.

Prioritize self-improvement over fairness and try the following:

  • Give yourself credit for your efforts.

  • Take criticism with grace.

  • Set goals and work towards them.

  • Learn from your mistakes.

Two friends chatting over a coffee.

Tone down your entitlement attitude and try the following:

  • Recognize your imperfections.

  • Think about how others might feel.

  • Don’t "keep score" of your good deeds.

  • Practice gratitude.

Take Action

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Should you fix the entitlement mentality (entitled dependence syndrome)?

Absolutely!

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