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The Price of Social Welfare |
Article 4# Entitlements and Dependency
Entitlement Programs and Healthy Emotional Adjustment
Most behavioral scientists categorize the personality into two broad categories - Intrapsychic and Interpsychic. That is, one part of personality adjustment is based upon what goes on inside a person and the other part of personality adjustment is based upon what occurs in the person's interaction with the world. In common parlance these would be called Emotional Adjustment and Social Adjustment. In order to have a good personality adjustment one must be well balanced between his good emotional adjustment and his good social adjustment.
In this paper we will discuss the relationship between entitlement programs and the development of a healthy personality. As you read the descriptions of these healthy personality indicators I am hopeful you will visualize a youngster living in an inner city environment whose family's primary means of subsistence is through government entitlements. Think of how he will develop these facets of a healthy personality; what avenues are available to him; what experiences will he have to develop and hone these skills? Or visualize his grandfather and contemplate the effects of the entitlement programs on him and how the grandfather would have found avenues to develop these indicators of a healthy personality. I believe this exercise will eloquently cry out for the discontinuation of entitlement programming.
Subtle Effects of Entitlement Programs
I don't believe persons on the "outside" can appreciate the cumulative effects of entitlement programs on the lives of recipients. To help relate the subtle effects of these programs, I recall an experimental psychology course from years ago. Each of our senses, such as color discrimination, temperature, pressure, weight, sound, volume, tone, and pitch tells us when things around us change. Everything we can perceive or sense provides information that tells us if something has changed. If the temperature is hotter or colder our temperature sense will tell us. If the sound volume of music gets louder we can tell. But what if the change is tiny? There are changes too small to notice. The smallest noticeable change is called a "just noticeable difference" or "jnd." If the change is larger than the "jnd" we will notice a difference; if the change is smaller than the "jnd" we will not notice a difference.
For example, in brightness, a change can be so tiny we do not notice the lights are dimmer or brighter. In sound, the change in the volume can be so small we do not notice the volume is louder; in temperature, there can be a change so slight we are unable to tell the temperature has changed. All of our senses work like that.
If you are put in a tub of water which is neither warm nor cool, you will be comfortable. Let's assume the water temperature is raised slowly and each increase is below the "jnd." You will not perceive any change at all. The temperature can continue to be raised without your noticing any change whatsoever. Then all of a sudden you will sense it has become extremely uncomfortable for you. You will jump up and yell, "This water is hot as the devil!" If I ask, "When did it get hot?" you will tell me you don't know when it got hot; it was OK when you got in, but now, all of a sudden, it is too hot to stay in the tub.
In buildings the heating/air conditioning systems are set so that changes in the temperature are slightly below the just noticeable difference range. This keeps the room temperature feeling just right all day rather than continually feeling cool, then warm, then cool.
I believe the "jnd" concept works in many other areas of psychology, not just in physical sensation and perception. The impact our environment has on our emotions, behavior, values, and morals works in the same manner.
Persons locked into entitlement programming lose their sense of adequacy and identity so slowly they are like the person in the tub of hot water (perhaps they are more like a frog in the tub, for you actually can boil a frog before he becomes aware of the heat and jumps out). So I believe these programs are detrimental and the damage they do to our fellow citizens is so subtle, yet unforgiving and unrelenting that our humanity demands we find alternative strategies to extend the hand of help and love.
A Healthy Emotional Adjustment
A healthy emotional adjustment is made up of these characteristics:
Coping with Psychosocial Stressors
A person developing poorly in this area of personality adjustment suffers from one or more of a variety of physical symptoms which are indicators of stress, such as loss of appetite, frequent eye strain, migraine headaches, inability to sleep, gastro-intestinal problems, or tendencies to be chronically tired. A person who experiences high levels of stress does not resolve conflicts well.
The adult who copes well with stress usually sleeps well, seldom has headaches, rarely is absent from school or work, has a normal appetite, does not have a "nervous" stomach, is not bothered by periodic dizzy spells, does not bite his fingernails, does not walk or talk in his sleep, does not stammer, is not considered "restless", is energetic, is rarely sick, and is usually happy.
I believe it is obvious that a person who is experiencing either or a combination of depression, hostility, and anxiety (as a result of the long term effects of entitlement programs) also will experience high levels of stress and thereby have numerous psychosocial stress disorders. Children in school will not be able to concentrate as well as their age mates. Older Americans will not be treatment compliant patients. This is a maladjustment which will affect the individual throughout the aging spectrum.
Having a Strong, Positive Self-Concept
The person who does not develop a strong, positive self-concept feels quite poorly regarded by others; he feels others have no faith in his future success; and, he believes he has a less than average ability to accomplish tasks and get things done. He generally feels incapable and reasonably unattractive.
The adult who is developing a good positive self concept feels his coworkers think he is dependable; that people usually think that he can do things well, that his friends think he has likable traits, that he is good at handling money, that people rarely treat him badly, that most of his coworkers do nice things for him, that his family seems to think he is going to amount to something, that people seem to think well of his family's social standing, that he is considered a success in many of the things he does, that he rarely is discouraged because people fail to recognize his worth, and that he usually is given credit for the good judgment he shows.
If a person grows up under the burden of an entitlement program, he does not have the opportunity to develop the self-concept of a winner. The primary rewards or reinforcers in life come without giving him the opportunity to prove his mettle.
Developing Freedom from Feelings of Isolation
The person who develops feelings of isolation has a tendency to live in a fantasy world. He is sensitive, lonely, and given to self-concern. As one grows up in a special environment it becomes increasingly difficult to develop a sense of being like the average person in the larger, general population - such as the ones a person on entitlement programs sees on television.
The person who is free of these feelings of isolation does not isolate himself, he feels that he has facility in associating with co-workers of the opposite sex, that people generally do not try to take advantage of him, that he has fewer problems to worry about than most of his co-workers, that he is happy with the process of growing older, rarely that he is inferior to others, that people do and say nice things, that people rarely hurt his feelings, and he spends little time in fantasizing about life. He is not greatly discouraged about his life.
Feelings of Acceptance
The person who fails to develop positive feelings of acceptance feels unaccepted and unacceptable where ever he might find himself. He will believe he does not have the well wishes of good friends and a warm relationship with people in general. As a rule, he does not get along well with his supervisors and does not have a sense of pride in his place of work.
The adult who is developing a good feeling of acceptance feels that he fits well into his community, that he does not lack true friendships, that his coworkers are glad to have him as a member of their employment, that his family makes him feel as if he is an important member of the family, that he is pleased he has the family he has, that he is able to make as many new friends as he wishes, that he is well enough liked at home, that he is an important part of his work, and that people usually think well of him.
Feelings of Independence
A person who is not developing feelings of independence believes he cannot do things independently of others, he does not depend upon himself in various situations and does poorly in directing his own activities. If he continues in this direction he will become maladjusted in this basic personal development area.
He will develop dependent tendencies which may interfere with his adjusting well in life, in school, and in work. Continuing in this trend will cause him to be characteristically unstable emotionally and will cause him to demonstrate irresponsibility in his behavior both at home and at work.
The independent individual usually keeps at his plans until they are done, does not become discouraged when people disagree with him; apologizes and/or admits when he is wrong; usually acts as a leader when working with others, does not feel it is natural to feel like pitying himself whenever he gets hurt, finds it easy to wait until the appropriate time to do things; gives considerable thought to his future and his work or career, takes an active part in decision making when with other people, usually does things which are good for him even if he does not like them, is able to keep from being bossed by other people, and continues with his work when it becomes difficult.
Locus of Control
As we commented in an earlier position paper it is essential for a person's good mental health to develop a strong internal locus of control. A person who does not develop an internal locus of control will feel as if he is not permitted to have a reasonable share in the determination of his conduct and in setting the general polices that govern his life. He feels his lot in life has been cast.
With an external locus of control he will have a sense of being a passive recipient of what others choose for him. He will feel more vulnerable and more powerless than other adults.
A Healthy Social Adjustment
The broad spectrum of Social adjustment consists of these areas:
I believe our first experience of the world beyond ourselves is our experience of our family and our first adjustment task is to become adjusted within our family. Next we are confronted with adjustment in an ever increasing circle - adjustment at school; followed by adjustment in our work and finally adjustment in the world at large.
Adjustment at Home
The person who is not well adjusted at home does not feel loved and well treated at home. He does not have a sense of security and self-respect in connection with his interactions with the various members of his family. Maladjustment in the family often comes from poor communication and from expectations that are either too strict or too lenient. Too lenient expectations most often are interpreted as lack of care or concern.
The younger person with good family adjustment believes his family members are reasonable when they demand obedience, they are congenial, his family members frequently have good times together, his folks take time to become acquainted with his problems, people at home like for him to bring her friends home, his folks like the things he likes, there is an adequate amount of affection shown within the family, his family have no doubt of his success, his family members are not overly critical of him.
Adjustment in School
Youngsters who are maladjusted in life at School feel teachers do not like them. They do not enjoy being with other students. They find their school work is not adapted to their level of interest and maturity. They feel they do not count for anything in the life of the school. They feel relatively unimportant in the school environment.
The youth who has a good adjustment at school is usually a member of a club, team, or other organization at school; finds his classmates to be generally friendly to him; is frequently chosen to take part in games and other activities; is not interested in staying home from school; feels his classmates like him; feels his teachers are fair, reasonable, and relaxed in the classroom, goes to school affairs with members of the opposite sex; finds teachers to be trustworthy; does not find it necessary to be unkind or unfriendly to classmates; enjoys being with classmates more than being alone; and, does not find teachers to be too strict.
As you consider adjustment in this area, keep in mind that many youngsters in inner city schools receive social promotions from the beginning of their academic career (kindergarten or first grade). Social promotions begin early and continue until the youngster becomes too large, too mature, or too troublesome to continue in the classroom. Social promotions have the same effects on the youngster as other entitlement programs. Social promotions in the school system means something is received for expending little or no effort. This is why school work, education, and achievement become rather hollow concepts to this population of youngsters across the country.
Also keep in mind that this form of entitlement program, social promotion, communicates very loudly and eloquently to the youngster. The communications are:
Adjustment at Work
When a person does not have a good adjustment at work, he feels his employers do not like him. He does not enjoy being with other workers. He finds his work is not adapted to his level of interest, ability, and maturity. He will feel he does not count for anything in the life of the business. He feels relatively unimportant in the work environment.
The adult who has good work relationships usually believes his work receives proper recognition, takes a lead in social activities related to work, feels few are superior to him at work, feels as if he makes the right impression at work, finds his work duties are of significant interest to him, feels his line of work is suitable to his abilities, comfortably makes suggestions to supervisors regarding improvements at work, believes others are supportive rather than critical of him and his work, and is contented in his work.
Adjustment in the Community
When we are not adjusted to the world at large, the community, we do not mingle happily with our neighbors. We don't take pride in our community and do not take an active interest in community improvements. We are not tolerant in dealing with strangers and foreigners. Poor adjustment in the community also includes being disrespectful of laws and regulations pertaining to the general welfare.
The person who is achieving a good adjustment in the community finds there are attractive members of the opposite sex in the neighborhood, likes to take care of his own or some neighbor's pets, takes responsibility for the welfare or safety of children or old people in the neighborhood, often plays games with friends in the neighborhood, attends church in the neighborhood, believes he lives in an interesting neighborhood, visits with several young men and young women in the neighborhood, does things to improve the appearance of his home surroundings and the neighborhood in general, finds that neighbors are the kinds of people he likes, visits neighbors, and usually speaks to both the young men and young women in the neighborhood.
Feelings of Aggression
As we mentioned earlier, aggression is a part of hostility, anger, frustration, and thwarting. In a civilized world adjustment aggression takes on an important emphasis. Even though it is a part of the expression of frustration, it also is viewed as an independent facet of adjustment. A person who is maladjusted in this area is given to bullying, frequent quarreling, disobedience and destructiveness of property. He endeavors to get his satisfactions in ways that are damaging and unfair to others. The adult who is free from aggressiveness rarely, if ever, has to quarrel or get into fights in order to get his way, he does not disobey family or employers even if he feels they are unfair, he feels others treat him right, rarely does he feel must be mean to others, he does not lie to get out of trouble, does not justify stealing from others, does not feel he must show anger to get what he deserves, does not feel others deserve to be hurt, does not feel better when he treats someone else unfairly, generally is not overly defensive because he feels others are prone to hurt him, does not feel provoked to the point of feeling justified in swearing, and does not start quarrels with others.
Development of Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are used to smoothly interact with others in a civilized environment. A person who is maladjusted in this important area generally does not show a liking for people, does not inconvenience himself to be of assistance to others and is not diplomatic in dealing with either friends or strangers. He is not socially skillful or effective in dealing with others. He will appear to be unable or unwilling to subordinate egoistic tendencies in favor of interest in the problems and activities of friends and acquaintances.
The person who is developing good interpersonal skills compliments others when they have done well, has many friends rather than just a few, finds that members of the opposite sex appear at ease when chatting with him, likes to have parties at home, rarely finds it necessary to interrupt a conversation, rarely finds it necessary to disregard the feelings of other people, usually remembers the names of people he meets, enjoys talking with new people, feels it pays to help people, can pep up a party when it is getting dull, is interested in other's feelings, has facility in planning social events such as parties, finds it easy to make new friends, finds it easy to help co-workers have a good time at parties, usually talks to new men and women when he meets them.
Development of Moral Standards and Moral Values
This is a particularly important area of adjustment. This area covers the values a person develops and the choices he makes. He must develop a clear understanding of right and wrong and consistently choose the morally correct course of action. A person who is unable or unwilling to make moral choices fails to understand the rights of others and to appreciate the necessity of subordinating certain of his desires for the needs of the group. He often does not understand or is not guided by what is regarded as being right or wrong.
The adult who is developing good moral standards and moral values realizes it is not appropriate to make fun of those who are different or those who have different ideas or those who are in trouble, that it is necessary to be courteous to disagreeable persons, that it is necessary to express appreciation for help or favors, that it is never justifiable to steal and that finding an article does not give a person the right to keep it, that all people should be treated the same, that it is not appropriate to engage in emotionally immature behavior (such as anger, pouting, criticality, temper tantrums, withholding affection, etc.) to get his own way and that it is not acceptable behavior to ignore employers' or family members' instructions or requests even though they may appear unfair or even if their friends advise them to do so.
Summary
These areas are the bedrock of personality adjustment. It is these areas which contribute to a person living a fulfilling, productive, satisfying life. The greater the variance from satisfactory adjustment in these areas and the greater the numbers of areas of this variance the greater the maladjustment of the person.
I hope you have developed the concept as you reviewed these areas that by living in an environment of entitlement programs individuals are deprived of the opportunity to adjust well. In fact they are deprived of the experiences required to develop coping skills which will result in the development of many of these attributes.
When a person lives in an environment in which he does not have the opportunity to continually get honest feedback from the environment regarding his adequacy in interacting with the environment, he never will gain the self affirmation which is so important to adjusting to the world around him. If he gets promotions he does not deserve, if he is awarded benefits he does not merit, if he receives grants of funds he has not earned he is perpetually locked into an underclass from which it is almost impossible to escape and he is locked into a nightmare of maladjustment.