Psychological Entitlement Scale

What it measures

Measures the stable belief that one deserves more and is entitled to more than others — a pervasive sense of special treatment, superior outcomes, and unique privileges. Psychological entitlement is associated with narcissism but is conceptually and empirically distinct from it — entitlement captures the belief that special treatment is deserved, while narcissism also encompasses grandiosity, exhibitionism, and exploitativeness. High entitlement predicts consumer complaint behaviour, expectations of premium service, low tolerance for service failures, demanding behaviour in retail and hospitality contexts, higher luxury brand preferences, and stronger reactions to perceived price unfairness. Increasingly relevant for understanding millennial and Gen Z consumer expectations in service contexts.

Representative items

• I honestly feel I'm just more deserving than others.
• I deserve more things in life.
• People like me deserve an extra break now and then.
• If I were on the Titanic, I would deserve to be on the first lifeboat.
• Things should go my way.

Citation

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, 72(1), 29–46.