Commentary
In 2018, 1,200 Yale undergraduates gathered at Battell Chapel, one of the University’s largest venues, not for a church service, but for the most popular class in Yale’s history: Psychology and the Good Life, also known as “the happiness class.” This class was created by Professor Laurie Santos to address the mental health crisis faced by students at Yale and campuses across the United States.
Abigail Shrier, who spent time at prestigious universities like Yale, Columbia, and Oxford, describes Generation Z as the loneliest, most anxious, and depressed generation on record. Her book “Bad Therapy: Why The Kids Aren’t Growing Up” offers a different perspective on the factors contributing to the challenges faced by Gen Z. Shrier suggests that happiness-focused parenting and excessive therapy have made Gen Z the most dysfunctional generation. This is evident in the 1,200 Yale students seeking happiness in a psychology class.
Shrier argues that “bad therapy” often does more harm than good, especially when it comes to young people who are simply unhappy. The emphasis on self-focus in therapy may not lead to genuine happiness. Shrier’s perspective challenges the common narrative surrounding the mental health crisis among young people.
Shrier highlights the prevalence of iatrogenic therapy in schools and parenting practices in the United States. She criticizes the expansion of psychology staff in schools and the focus on trauma-informed education. Shrier also points out the specificity of mental health surveys given to students, suggesting that they may contribute to unnecessary diagnoses and treatments.
At home, Shrier notes the trend of “gentle parenting” and the fear of causing childhood trauma or adverse childhood experiences. Parents’ efforts to protect their children may inadvertently hinder their emotional growth and resilience. Shrier warns against the overemphasis on therapy and diagnosis from a young age, as it may not always be beneficial for children’s development.
Shrier’s analysis sheds light on the shift from moral language to therapeutic language in the upbringing of children, highlighting the potential drawbacks of focusing too heavily on mental health and happiness in young people’s lives.
When childhood misbehavior is often described in terms of therapeutic symptoms rather than character flaws, and an individual’s struggles with vices are reframed as mental illness rather than moral failings, the concept of agency can start to slip away. The shift towards labeling any negativity as trauma and viewing those who cause harm as toxic can further erode personal responsibility.
Shrier’s book raises questions about the impact of diminishing religious influence, as traditional institutions that provided moral guidance and support are on the decline in America. With therapy becoming a secular replacement for religion, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has taken on a quasi-sacred role in shaping societal norms.
Alasdair MacIntyre’s critique of emotivism in his work “After Virtue” foresaw a society where moral judgments are reduced to expressions of personal preference. In a culture that struggles to differentiate between fact and opinion, moral debates become increasingly challenging. The rise of therapy as a substitute for virtue further complicates the formation of ethical values in children.
To restore a sense of moral realism in a therapeutic age, a return to promoting virtues like honesty, courage, wisdom, and accountability is essential. This approach fosters community, character development, and a shared sense of responsibility, providing a counterbalance to the individualistic focus of modern therapy.
While therapy may have its merits, it is not a panacea for all societal ills. Embracing moral realism and traditional virtues can offer a more holistic approach to personal growth and resilience. By recognizing the enduring value of virtues and collective responsibility, young people can navigate the challenges of the modern world with a stronger ethical foundation.
Shrier’s insights highlight the limitations of a purely therapeutic approach to happiness and well-being. As society grapples with the dominance of therapy over moral values, a renewed emphasis on virtue and community can provide a more balanced and sustainable path towards personal fulfillment.
Overall, the shift towards therapy as a primary means of addressing personal struggles calls for a reevaluation of the role of virtue and resilience in shaping individuals and communities. By embracing a more comprehensive understanding of human flourishing, we can cultivate a society that values character, responsibility, and collective well-being.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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