New Study Underscores Dangers of Childhood Overindulgence
A new study co-authored by Dr. David Bredehoft, professor of Psychology and Family Studies, finds that overindulged children are far more likely to grow up to be greedy, self-centered adults.
"Conventional wisdom says that children who have everything become materialistic and selfish, but now there is empirical evidence to support this" said Bredehoft, who also is the co-author of How Much is Enough? Everything You Need to Know to Steer Clear of Overindulgence and Raise Likeable, Responsible, and Respectful Children (Marlowe & Company).
The study included 369 adults from 37 states, Spain, France, Canada, Australia, Belgium, India, New Zealand, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom who completed two questionnaires: one measured External Aspirations of wealth, fame, image and Internal Aspirations of meaningful relationships, personal growth, and giving to others. The second questionnaire measured childhood overindulgence.
The study found that overindulged children grew up to become "Externals" rather than "Internals".
Externals want:
- to become rich and super wealthy;
- to become famous;
Internals want:
- to grow and learn new things;
- to be able to look back on their life as meaningful and complete;
- to share life with someone and have a committed, intimate relationship;
- to work to make the world a better place; and
? to help people in need.
The study also measured three types of childhood overindulgence:
- Too Much - Too many clothes, privileges, toys, activities, entertainment etc.);
- Over-nurture - Doing things for the child they should be doing for themselves, hovering, over-loving etc.);
- Soft structure - No chores, too much freedom, allowed to dominate the family, not taught skills, no rules, rules were not enforced etc.).
The analysis shows that when parents overindulge children it leads to "External" rather than "Internal" life goals. Of the three types of overindulgence, Too Much was the major culprit. Younger participants (aged 14-22) were overindulged more than older ones (aged 23-81) as well as those that grew up in families with a lot of money.
"The bottom line is that if parents want their children grow up to be greedy, self-centered, and never satisfied, overindulge them! On the other hand, if they want their children to grow up to be caring adults who are focused on meaningful relationships, and want to work to make the world a better place --- it is plain and simple ? don?t overindulge them" Bredehoft said.
Read the Executive Summary for the new study.
