Entitlement Style Test

The Entitlement Style Test is a research-informed self-report profile about special treatment, respect demands, personal fairness claims, and gratitude. The sections below summarize the academic background and the main expectation patterns in the test.

Academic Background

Based on the research of Jeremy A. Shelton, department chair of psychology at Lamar University, this profile summarizes the tested patterns as self-report facets rather than a diagnosis or formal assessment.

Special Exception

Special Exception is the tendency to believe that standard rules, social norms, or common procedures should not apply to oneself. This trait reflects a persistent expectation of receiving preferential treatment, shortcuts, or exclusive benefits in daily life. Individuals who score high on this dimension often feel frustrated or slighted when they are required to wait in line, follow standard protocols, or share resources equally with others. Conversely, those with low scores generally accept that rules are universal and find comfort in fair, consistent treatment. The primary trade-off involves balancing the desire for personal convenience against the social necessity of maintaining equality and mutual respect within a community.

Respect Demand

Respect Demand is the interpersonal expectation that one’s status, opinions, and needs should be prioritized by those around them. This pattern manifests as a heightened sensitivity to being overlooked or undervalued, often leading to feelings of resentment when others fail to offer immediate deference or recognition. High scorers frequently view their contributions as superior and expect others to accommodate their preferences as a matter of course. In contrast, low scorers are typically comfortable with egalitarian interactions and do not require external validation to maintain their self-worth. The core motive here is the pursuit of social standing, which can sometimes create friction in collaborative or professional relationships.

Fairness Claim

Fairness Claim is the degree to which an individual remains vigilant about receiving their perceived share of outcomes, rewards, or justice. This construct captures the intensity of one’s focus on equity and the tendency to dwell on past slights or perceived imbalances. Those with a high Fairness Claim often keep a mental tally of their contributions versus their rewards, quickly identifying when they feel shortchanged. Those with lower scores tend to be less preoccupied with exact parity, focusing instead on broader goals or personal satisfaction. While this trait can drive a strong sense of justice, an excessive focus on personal fairness can sometimes lead to chronic grievance.

Gratitude Check

Gratitude Check is the dispositional tendency to notice, appreciate, and acknowledge the benevolence and kindness received from others. This trait serves as a psychological counterbalance to entitlement, shifting the focus from what one is owed to the positive experiences and support provided by the social environment. High scorers frequently feel lucky and maintain a habit of recognizing the small, everyday efforts people make on their behalf. Low scorers may struggle to find satisfaction, often focusing more on what they lack or viewing benefits as expected entitlements. Cultivating this trait is associated with greater life satisfaction and more harmonious, cooperative relationships with others.

Limitations

The Entitlement Style Test is designed for self-understanding around everyday expectations, limits, gratitude, and perceived fairness. It should not be treated as a clinical, educational, or employment assessment.

References

• 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 Assessment, 83(1), 29-45.
• Baumeister, R. & Vohs, K. (2007). Encyclopedia of Social Psychology. SAGE Publications, Inc.
• Kubarych, T. S., Deary, I. J., & Austin, E. J. (2004). The Narcissistic Personality Inventory: factor structure in a non-clinical sample. Personality and Individual Differences, 36(4), 857-872.
• Lerner, M. J. (1980). The Belief in a Just World. Springer US.
• Schmitt, M., Baumert, A., Gollwitzer, M., & Maes, J. (2010). The Justice Sensitivity Inventory: Factorial Validity, Location in the Personality Facet Space, Demographic Pattern, and Normative Data. Social Justice Research, 23(2-3), 211-238.