Overview
“Entitlement” has at least two distinct uses depending on the context.
For healthcare providers and insurance, “entitlement” refers to a legal right to receive healthcare benefits or coverage once an individual meets criteria.
Within psychology and psychiatry, entitlement can be interpreted as a personality trait or a cognitive distortion that presents with personality disorders:
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Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): entitlement can be seen in an individual’s constant need for admiration, validation, and/or rewards from others
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Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): entitlement can be a factor in one’s belief that they can violate the rights of others or break the rules for personal gain
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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): during emotional crises, people with BPD might feel entitled to ask for reassurance or support that breaks boundaries in response to intense fears surrounding the possibility of abandonment or rejection