The sense of relational entitlement among adolescents toward their parents (SREap) – Testing an adaptation of the SRE

Abstract

The quality of the adolescent–parent relationship is closely related to the adolescent's sense of entitlement. Study 1 (458 central-Israel adolescents, 69% girls, ages: 11–16) developed the sense of relational entitlement among adolescents toward their parents (SREap, adapted from the original SRE on adults' romantic relationships) and provided initial validity evidence of its three-factor structure: exaggerated, restricted and assertive – replicating the SRE's factor structure. Studies 2–5 (1237 adolescents, 56% girls) examined the link between the SREap factors and relevant psychological measures. Exaggerated and restricted SREap factors were associated with attachment insecurities. Restricted and exaggerated entitlement factors were related to higher levels of emotional problems, and lower levels of: wellbeing, positive mood and life satisfaction. Conversely, assertive entitlement was related to higher life satisfaction and self-efficacy and lower levels of emotional problems. The findings also indicate that SREap is not merely a form of narcissism. The implications of SREap are discussed.