An exaggerated sense of entitlement can be understood through the Twelve Nidanas of dependent origination in Buddhism. The first link, ignorance (avijja), refers to a lack of understanding about the interdependence of all phenomena. Due to ignorance, a person may form habitual patterns of thinking and behavior that reinforce a sense of self-importance (mental formations, sankhara). This, in turn, conditions their consciousness (viññana) and reinforces their sense of entitlement through the manifestation of their psychophysical constituents (name and form, nama-rupa).

The persons sense organs interact with the external world through the six sense bases (salayatana), leading to contact (phassa) with situations that trigger their sense of entitlement. This may result in feelings (vedana) of frustration, resentment, or anger as well as craving (tanha) for recognition and status to confirm their sense of self-importance. These cravings can intensify through clinging (upadana), which reinforces their habitual patterns of behavior and identification with their sense of entitlement (becoming, bhava).

The persons sense of entitlement manifests in their behavior and expectations towards others (birth, jati), perpetuating negative karmic consequences. If left unchecked, this can lead to physical, mental, and emotional suffering as well as the continued rebirth and perpetuation of negative consequences (old age and death, jara-marana).

To break the cycle at each point, one can cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion through meditation, ethical conduct, and self-reflection. Developing wisdom through the study of Buddhist teachings and recognizing the truth of impermanence and non-self can help to dissolve the delusion of self-importance (ignorance). Cultivating wholesome mental states through ethical conduct, meditation, and wise reflection can dissolve unwholesome habits and patterns of thinking (mental formations). Mindfulness and concentration through meditation can help to respond to sensory experiences with wisdom rather than habitual patterns of thinking (consciousness). Observing the arising and passing away of physical sensations and mental states can reduce attachment and identification with these constituents (name and form). Restraint of the senses and mindfulness of sensory experiences can reduce attachment and craving (six sense bases). Developing mindfulness of the present moment and cultivating a sense of equanimity towards sensory experiences can reduce the tendency to cling or push away (contact). Observing the arising and passing away of feelings can reduce attachment and aversion (feeling). Developing insight into the nature of craving and recognizing its impermanence and unsatisfactoriness can reduce attachment and aversion (craving). Developing wisdom and insight into the nature of clinging can reduce attachment and clinging (clinging). Cultivating wholesome intentions and actions through ethical conduct and wise reflection can develop a more positive and altruistic outlook towards life, leading to a more flexible and adaptable mindset (becoming). Recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all beings can reduce the tendency to reinforce negative patterns of behavior and thought (birth). Developing acceptance of impermanence, aging, sickness, and death can lead to a more peaceful and accepting approach towards life (old age and death).