Definition of affluenza
: the unhealthy and unwelcome psychological and social effects of affluence regarded especially as a widespread societal problem: such as
a
: feelings of guilt, lack of motivation, and social isolation experienced by wealthy people
- Even so, psychologists are slowly recognizing that great riches are sometimes accompanied by a wealth of crippling emotional and psychological fears. Affluenza can be acute, striking lottery winners or newly minted doctors and M.B.A.s. It can also be a chronic and pervasive condition in families where riches extend through generations.
- —Anastasia Toufexis et al.
b
: extreme materialism and consumerism associated with the pursuit of wealth and success and resulting in a life of chronic dissatisfaction, debt, overwork, stress, and impaired relationships
- Affluenza is particularly rampant in the United States, where we place a high priority on financial success and material possessions.
- —David Hawkins
