University students' demand for stress therapy explodes
- AdelaideNow
- March 04, 2010
PRESSURE on students has risen so significantly that many seek psychological help to cope with "perfectionism syndrome".
Student demand for stress therapy at universities has exploded and many psychologists now have waiting lists.
An Adelaide education and social science expert says students are suffering under a "meritocracy" - a social system where success is based on being the best.
However, it's believed students should instead be told individual ability and effort is not the sole key to success.
University of South Australia education Professor Bruce Johnson said students were often told if they worked hard enough and put in as many hours as possible, they would "rise to the top".
"It's dangerous to constantly push kids to the point where they think they can control everything and their success depends fully on what they do," Professor Johnson said.
The university's health psychology unit is now putting on more stress management courses to avoid further waiting lists.Clinical psychologists say demand for stress therapy at the University of Technology Sydney has doubled - possibly due to the global economic crisis and new pressures on young people such as cyber bullying.
Clinical psychologist Megan Varlow from UTS said the university was now running stress programs every term.
Professor Johnson recommended students look at success and shortfalls in context of the circumstances and work on aspects of life they could control.
"Most young people cope remarkably well. But sometimes the system can wear some down," he said.
A Sydney high school has called in self-esteem expert Dannielle Miller from Enlighten Education to work with its female students under a program called "Chill Out".
"We are building resilience so students can bounce back from setbacks," she said
Critique:
It's true that students nowadays personally hope to get high achievements in every aspects of their lives despite the push from their parents or universities. It is not uncommon to see students collapse in both mental and physical condition in pursuing their own goals. In the end, they might just give up their own dreams. Unfortunately, some may even choose to end their lives. A perfectionist may not be perfect. There are many things to be appreciated other than just to achieve successes in lives. Please remember your family members are always caring and loving you. They will acknowledge you no matter who you are, poor or rich or successful or not successful. This is the power of LOVE.
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