Subscribe now

Comment

Bad therapy review: Is mental health industry fuelling youth crisis?

The dramatic increase in mental health issues among children in the US may be down to the way therapy culture has invaded family and school life, argues Abigail Shrier in her new book

By Clare Wilson

28 February 2024

Father and daughter sitting at kitchen table near window in discussion

“Gentle parenting” may be creating the very problems it is aiming to prevent

Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

Bad Therapy
Abigail Shrier (Swift Press)

MUCH has been written about rising rates of mental health problems in children and teenagers, particularly in the US, with many possible explanations proposed. In Bad Therapy: Why the kids aren’t growing up, US journalist Abigail Shrier offers a bold hypothesis: this crisis is being perpetuated by the very measures supposed to counter it – used by families, schools and, especially, professionals.

For Shrier, the problems start with the many ways modern child-rearing…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account