RICH TEENS DISEASES
By Theresa Castillo

Affluent adolescents are no different from typical adolescents. They undergo the same challenges as other adolescents. However, there is growing evidence that these adolescents could exhibit unique behavioral problems related to their affluence.

Researchers acknowledge that there are significant developmental and emotional problems in affluent children and adolescents as they move from childhood to adulthood, amidst a high economic surrounding.

"Silver Spoon" Syndrome

The class-bound prerogatives of money and power can result in a sense of "entitlement" among wealthy teenagers. In its best form, wealthy teenagers have money and time to be involved in the community and serve in charitable causes, wherein their parents are also most likely involved. In its worst form, a spoiled adolescent indulges in "narcissistic entitlement" – he/she becomes self-centered, takes being rich for granted, and tries to use the privileges of class and money to control any situation. Such teenagers feel that they and their families are shielded from harm because of their riches.

This sense of entitlement brings with it an exaggerated sense of self-worth that prompts affluent adolescents to satisfy their own needs even while showing a lack of sensitivity towards the needs of others. Psychologists call this the "silver spoon syndrome" in wealthy adolescents.

Affluent parents generally have a multitude of social, recreational, and professional commitments that keep them away from home. This empty home, in turn, leads to emotional deprivation among their adolescents. A lack of parental nurturance and family-centered interactions make affluent adolescents often feel dispensable and insecure – feelings that they cover up with a façade of confidence. This necessity to "act out" creates depression, delinquency and encourages substance abuse.

Some affluent parents dispel their guilt feelings over not spending enough time with their teenagers, by showering them with extravagant gifts. They also give in to their teenager's demands, immediately gratifying their needs and desires. Unfortunately, this makes affluent teenagers grow more dependent -- on housekeepers, drivers and caretakers who attend to their needs. When faced with life's realities or tough situations, and especially when they do not get what they want immediately, affluent teenagers exhibit an inability to deal with frustration or the delayed gratification of their needs.

"Rich Kid" Syndrome

The "rich kid syndrome" is applied to those affluent adolescents, who have excessive material goods, freedom, independence and choices, but inadequate parental advice. Affluent parents become so distanced from their teenager's life that they place very few demands and easily give in to their teenager's desire for more freedom. So now, in addition to the material demands that existed since childhood, there are now demands for greater freedom. Psychologists believe that for teenagers, the combination of independence and the impression that money and idle time are unlimited leads to risk-taking behavior such as premature sexual activity as well as drug and alcohol use.

School is a significant part of any adolescent's life. Affluent families put an extra premium on academic success. If parental expectations are met by the teenager, he/she will develop a sense of competence and confidence in school work. However, the trouble arises when a teenager fails to meet parental expectations in terms of academic achievement. This leads to emotional problems for the teenager which, in turn, causes further academic difficulties and may prompt the "acting-out" behavior. An adolescent who consistently fails to meet family expectations may feel a loss of familial respect and an estrangement that urges him/her to then turn towards friends who may not always be well-meaning.

Delinquent/Criminal Behavior

Many theories explain why affluent adolescents indulge in delinquent activities. Some see delinquency as a way of escape from boredom for affluent adolescents. Others believe that the permissive environment of the rich leads to self-indulgence and poor self-control.

Even though criminal activity records indicate that the lower socio-economic classes are engaged in such activity, it could also be that affluent teenagers are either let off for minor offenses or have lawyers who prove their innocence or negotiate their sentences.

Mental Disorders

There have been cases where greater pressure to remain at a particular socioeconomic level, has led to increased risk of mental disorders. Lack of parental guidance also ill-equips teenagers to take up life's challenges. However, mental disorders are not characteristic of affluent teenagers only. This can and does affect all classes. However, affluent teenagers are more likely to get professional help than their less-privileged counterparts. They are also more likely to get the required treatment for their cure.

Bulimia & Anorexia

Eating disorders too, like Bulimia and Anorexia, are increasingly affecting teenagers, usually the affluent. Bulimia is a psychological eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of purging such as vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or even compulsive exercising. Other characteristics of Bulimia include excessive shape and weight concerns. Binge eating is not a response to intense hunger, but rather, a response to depression, stress, or lack of self-esteem -- and it indicates a loss of control during the binge episode.

Anorexia is an eating disorder that usually affects young girls around the onset of puberty. Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat and their dieting habits develop from this fear. Often, they excessively exercise or take laxatives or even desist from eating. This disorder is perceived to belong to the upper or affluent socio-economic classes.