7 distinct psychological traits of the super rich

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Wealthy

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It's true that the 1% think and act differently than average people.

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But according to a 2015 study led by financial psychologist Bradley Klontz, ultra-wealthy Americans are so distinct that they even "exhibit significant psychological differences" from affluent people - described in the study as those with a higher net worth and income than the average population, but less than the 1%.

From a survey of 1,096 earners, Klontz and his coauthors found that the super rich - those with an annual income of $370,000 or more and/or a net worth of at least $2.5 million - share several psychological characteristics and behaviors that separate them from the "mass affluent."

The study's conclusions were drawn from self-reports, so the findings may reflect how the super rich see themselves rather than how they are seen by others. And those who are not interested in participating in a psychological survey may differ from those who did.

But according to the study, the super rich generally maintain a high level of responsibility and control over their lives, derive motivation from their financial success, and refuse the belief that money begets corruption.

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Below are seven of the most significant psychological differences between the 1% and the affluent population.