Entitled individuals often exhibit self-centered behavior, show reluctance to apologize, and tend to complain when their desires are unmet. However, researchers Anna Blake from Stanford and Mark Rivers from UCLA have recently uncovered a potential benefit of entitlement that is less frequently discussed. Their study indicates that “a recurring theme among the adverse effects of entitlement is that such individuals prioritize uniqueness”—a characteristic that can foster creativity.
In their experiments, Blake and Rivers identified a correlation between creativity and what is termed state entitlement, as opposed to trait entitlement. In one experiment, participants were divided into two groups. One group was prompted to reflect on reasons they deserved the best in life, while the other group considered reasons they should not expect such outcomes. Subsequently, both groups engaged in tasks to evaluate their creativity, including generating diverse uses for a paperclip and illustrating an alien from an unfamiliar planet. Those who were encouraged to feel entitled performed significantly better, producing a wider array of uses for the paperclip and crafting more imaginative alien illustrations.
The researchers observed that the greater the need for individuality, the more participants deviated from conventions, engaged in divergent thinking, and provided creative responses. The entitled individuals also created more eccentric depictions of aliens.
It is essential to recognize that entitlement can manifest in different ways. The authors clarify that entitlement can refer to both a stable personality trait and a fluctuating psychological state. Their findings revealed a link between creativity and state entitlement, rather than trait entitlement. They note that “brief, temporary increases in entitlement can enhance creativity,” while chronic entitlement may hinder performance in similar tasks.
During my time in graduate school for creative writing, labeling someone as entitled was considered a severe insult. This perception stemmed from the understanding that pursuing a costly degree in a field lacking financial guarantees required a certain level of entitlement. Yet, perhaps the true manifestation of entitlement was our audacity to declare ourselves writers, believing that our thoughts and imaginings warranted the attention of others. I recall wielding this term against others while simultaneously fearing its use against me.
Nevertheless, what I gained most from graduate school was the realization that my writing was valuable, and it was not an act of arrogance to believe my voice deserved an audience. The negative connotation of “entitlement” implies that the world owes you something. But is it truly detrimental to maintain the belief that you deserve good outcomes and that your work merits recognition? In moderate amounts, this belief may not be harmful. However, many creative individuals struggle with this idea, especially when the “starving artist” trope is prevalent, and creative outputs are often shared for free online, with creators expected to be grateful for mere exposure rather than compensated for their efforts.
This study also brings to mind a recent incident involving novelist Claire Thompson, who expressed her frustration on social media when her latest book did not make it onto the prestigious New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2014 list. Her outburst, which included claims that her novel Heart of Gold was “truly exceptional,” sparked considerable debate. While some criticized her for belittling others, her reaction highlighted feelings many writers share. It was not an elegant display, but is the underlying sentiment so objectionable? Believing in the merit of one’s work could be a vital component of the creative process.
Elizabeth Rowan, an author currently exploring themes of creativity, articulated this concept on her blog: “Creative entitlement does not equate to behaving like a diva or expecting the world to cater to you. Instead, it involves recognizing that you have a right to express yourself and that your perspective is valid simply by virtue of your existence.”
When I relayed the study’s findings to a fellow writer, he remarked that it sounded like a matter of confidence. It’s worth noting that the term “entitle” derives from a Latin word meaning ownership, while confidence stems from trust. The key takeaway from this research is not that every artist should expect accolades or that they should feel slighted for not receiving recognition, but rather that when embarking on creative endeavors, individuals should take a moment to affirm their self-worth, much like the participants in the study.
In summary, entitlement, when understood as a fleeting state rather than a fixed trait, can foster creativity and innovation. Encouraging a mindset that embraces self-worth and uniqueness may enhance artistic expression. For those exploring the realms of creativity and self-insemination, resources like Healthline can provide valuable insights. Additionally, for anyone interested in at-home insemination methods, visiting Make A Mom is recommended.
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