One of the greatest qualities of a human being is gratitude. A person who acknowledges the benefits of a benefactor is mentally mature and morally advanced. But it is seen in society that many people deny benefits even after receiving them, and even forget the contributions of their parents. This tendency is not a common habit, there is a deep psychological reason behind it.

Psychology says that they suffer from “Ingratitude Syndrome”. Their ego is so strong that they feel small when they accept help from others. Therefore, they subconsciously deny the contribution of the helper. Some people have a negative attitude towards the benefactor due to inferiority complex. On the other hand, those who have Narcissistic Personality or egocentric mentality, they think – “I have achieved everything myself”, as a result, self-love and arrogance are born instead of gratitude.

Such people are not mentally ill, but they are morally impoverished and emotionally immature. Peace, trust, and warmth of relationships are lost from their lives.
Gratitude is not just politeness, but purity of soul.
A grateful person is happy; and an ungrateful person is separated from his own conscience.

It is natural to be grateful when you receive a benefit. But some people behave in the opposite way – they forget the benefit, harm the benefit, or stand against it. This is not directly a mental illness, but is considered a deep personality distortion or negative mental trait.

1. Ego Defense Mechanism (mental defense to protect the ego)-

Many people know in their hearts that they have helped others, but admitting this truth hurts their ego. They deny the benefactor’s contribution out of fear that their own achievements will be diminished. This is part of Freud’s “Denial” and “Projection” mechanisms. Denying reality to protect their self-esteem.

2. Inferiority Complex-

Some people feel inferior deep down. When someone helps them, they feel even weaker. To relieve that discomfort, they become hostile towards the helper — this is called Reverse Hostility.

3. Moral & Empathic Deficiency-

Those who lack moral education, empathy, and the habit of expressing gratitude are mentally immature. Such people become self-centered and ungrateful.

4. Sociopathic or Narcissistic Traits-

People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (excessive self-love, ego, insensitivity to others) or Sociopathic tendencies usually do not accept benefits. They think, “I achieved everything myself.”

Psychological analysis:

Such people are not usually mentally unstable, but they have moral deficiencies, lack of self-analysis, and weak emotional intelligence.
They ruin relationships for the sake of the moment and end up lonely themselves in the long run.

Psychological education:

A grateful person is happy and spiritually fulfilled, while an ungrateful person is cut off from his own soul.

• Dr. Abdul Wadud
  is a psychology researcher and political analyst.