Self-Focus or Sacrifice?
What It Will Take to Rebuild the Mental Health of the Next Generation
An ARC Research Paper by Erica Komisar, LCSW
“The repercussions of three generations of self-centeredness and a lack of empathy means parents are modelling selfishness to their children. This narcissistic parenting style is contributing to a rise in disorders of the self.”
In this paper, Erica Komisar assesses the rise of individualism and self-centredness, at the cost of family life. The paper examines the impact this has had on the mental health of children and explores the positive effect selfless behaviour can have. The paper sets out the choices and solutions for parents in the crucial early years and the re-stitching of our social fabric.
Freedom replaced responsibility. Young adults are prioritising materialism and achievements over relationships and the self-sacrifice of creating and giving to a family. A perception has grown that having children is a burden requiring sacrifices of time, money, and personal freedom. Even when they have children, many do not want to raise them themselves, but prefer to delegate that role to others.
This paper shows that this has contributed to the crisis in mental health we face today. It also shows that selfless behaviour is good for our mental health: the more one gives, the better one feels, and thus the more one gives. Giving does not just stem from happiness, but also produces happiness.
Over the last 70 years, there has been a shift away from a more relational, family-oriented approach to life to a more individualistic and self-centred one.
Focusing on self has replaced the joy of responsibility for one’s family and caring for others: my ambition, desires, and needs. This has led to a culture of instant gratification and a long-term crisis of loneliness and mental health challenges.