A new study has found that upper-middle-class kids are now considered high risk for mental health problems due to a “toxic achievement culture.”
The study, published in the journal “Child Development,” found that kids from families with incomes of $130,000 or more are two to six times more likely to suffer from clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorder than the average American teen.
The researchers say that this is due to the high pressure that these kids feel to succeed academically and professionally. They are constantly being compared to their peers and are expected to achieve at the highest levels.
“So these kids are at-risk, meaning they are two to six times more likely than the average American teen to suffer from clinical levels of anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorder,” Jennifer Breheny Wallace, author of “Never Enough,” told CBS Mornings.
Surprisingly, the likelihood increases further among upper-middle-class children of color when compared to their inner-city minority kids with fewer privileges.
“These kids are constantly striving to be the best, and it’s taking a toll on their mental health,” said lead author Jennifer Breheny Wallace, a journalist and mother of three. “They’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, and they don’t know how to cope.”
Wallace said there are several things parents can do to keep their children from falling into this toxic achievement trap. The first thing experts interviewed for her book told her was that parents need to have an adjustable bar when it comes to what their expectations are of their children.
“Teach them good, healthy work habits. Teach them how to build a life of play and downtime and family time, that they don’t need substances to escape from,” Wallace says. “That’s really the job of a parent.”
The thing that is most helpful for children who are “healthy achieving,” is that they feel like they matter in their home for who they are at their core. So it turns out, there isn’t a super secret magic formula that’s difficult to replicate—it seems to be showing your kids that they themselves are valuable outside of how well they do in school, sports or other extra-curricular activities.
This deeply important book needs to get into the hands of all those who care about raising a healthy next generation.
Thank you @jenniferbrehenywallace for speaking to the toxic achievement culture that has hurt so many children and families and offering a powerful antidote. pic.twitter.com/QY9JU7VlSN
— Dr. Yael Schonbrun (@DrYaelSchonbrun) August 29, 2023
