"Affluenza: 1.) A dysfunctional relationship with money/wealth, or the pursuit of it. Globally it is a back up in the flow of money resulting in a polarization of the classes and a loss of economic and emotional balance; 2.) Affluenza is widespread; our whole culture shows its symptoms; 3.) Affluenza can be cured."

Culturally, affluenza is a dysfunctional relationship with money/wealth, or the pursuit of it. Individual cultural symptoms include:

• the inability to delay gratification and tolerate frustration,
   
• a false sense of entitlement,
   
• a loss of future motivation,
   
• low self-worth, and
   
• precaution with externals.

Who should know more about affluenza? Almost everybody, regardless of their income or economic level.

Affluenza is not simply "a rich person's disease." Affluenza is defined by Jessie H. O'Neill, a psychotherapist specializing in wealth-related issues, as a dysfunctional relationship with wealth or its pursuit. Because affluenza separates us from one another -- and from ourselves -- all of society suffers. The first step toward healing ourselves is to recognize the symptoms of affluenza

Jessie H. O'Neill is the founder and director of The Affluenza Project. Visit www.affluenza.com to find an overview of her definitive book on affluenza, The Golden Ghetto: The Psychology of Affluence.
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