On this episode Christine, Jaco, and Michael continue their examination of Abigail Shrier’s latest book, Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up. Can an increased focus on our emotions be a bad thing? Can affirming the personal narratives of children actually be detrimental to their well-being? Many mental health professionals have expressed concerns that they can be. Although there appears to be an increased acceptance related to mental health, generally, children appear to be experiencing more dysfunction than ever. Why is that so? We explore this phenomenon and the question through the lens of celebrated journalist, Abigail Shrier.
In this episode of the series we discuss how new cultural norms and practices involving a concentration on one’s feelings can, paradoxically, increase negative emotions among children. Through the inclusion of Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) schools have begun integrating therapy-like practices into the daily lives of children and adolescents. These practices hold the potential for prolonged or increased psychological suffering including negative introspection, helplessness, rumination, and an over-identification with one’s mental health diagnoses. We continue our examination of the proliferation of “distress obsession” within our increasingly therapised culture.
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