The often misunderstood "modern person syndrome" is a disorder linked to the conditions of living in our contemporary society. The author argues that the conditions of modernity have introduced new processes, forces, and cultural motivations that have major implications for all aspects of mental health and social well being. While modernity offers unprecedented opportunities for personal enhancement and creative expression, there is mounting evidence of a mental health crisis that demands the immediate attention of mental health professionals. In order to address the new challenges that have arisen under conditions of modernity, mental health professionals must rethink fundamental assumptions about the relationship between society and mental health, as well as the impact of modern social concerns upon individual behavior and psychological well being. This innovative approach to mental health seeks to explain a variety of psychological trends, including the steep rise in depression, the sharp increase in the prevalence of existential disorders, and the emergence of consumption disorders. By shedding light on the interaction between modernity and mental health, Schumaker illuminates the emerging patterns of mental disturbance while also offering new and more effective intervention and prevention strategies.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Large collections at all levels.”–Choice
“I found Shumaker's book to be readable, interesting throughout, at times fasinating, and a touch profound.”–APA Review of Books
“This thoughtful, provocative volume explores the generalized psychological effects of living in the modern world....This book provides the framework, the context, for further work to be done in this field. I expect volumes to follow in Schumaker's footsteps-volumes dedicated explicity to addressing and resolving the breakdown of mental health associated with modern living. Before such volumes can be written, someone must show that modernity is indeed the culprit behind a cluster of psychopathologies, which is what this superb book from Schumaker does so convincingly.”–mentalhelp.net
“I found Shumaker's book to be readable, interesting throughout, at times fasinating, and a touch profound.”–
“This thoughtful, provocative volume explores the generalized psychological effects of living in the modern world....This book provides the framework, the context, for further work to be done in this field. I expect volumes to follow in Schumaker's footsteps-volumes dedicated explicity to addressing and resolving the breakdown of mental health associated with modern living. Before such volumes can be written, someone must show that modernity is indeed the culprit behind a cluster of psychopathologies, which is what this superb book from Schumaker does so convincingly.”–
About the Author
JOHN F. SCHUMAKER is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has authored and edited nine books and numerous chapters and journal articles.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Synthesis,
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This review is from: The Age of Insanity: Modernity and Mental Health (Hardcover)
I call attention to John F. Schumaker's work at every available opportunity. Amazon has a standing order to notify me any time he releases a new work. In my view, he is one of the world's most gifted explainers of the human condition. In the preface to "The Age of Insanity," Schumaker expresses a love affair with the "big picture." This affection comes through on every page. That this book was published in September 2001, amounts to a prophetic explanation point at the ending of one era and the beginning of another. If you have concerns over the state of mental health in the world today, then I highly recommend "The Age of Insanity."
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent analysis of cultural effects,
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This review is from: The Age of Insanity: Modernity and Mental Health (Hardcover)
Schumaker writes terse, short, fact-filled sentences which require sometimes two readings. I was amazed how well-read the author is. He moves from psychology to economics to political philosophy to sociology. In my opinion the mental problems are mainly cultural and reading this book reinforces my view. There is a lot of perceptive critique of globalization, Western myths and American life. Perhaps he is sometimes a bit pessimistic, but there are data which supports this view. The more we can control material things the more alienated we are going to be. One of the best books I have read lately.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very important book,
This review is from: The Age of Insanity: Modernity and Mental Health (Hardcover)
This book deals with an issue that is largely overlooked in our society, but much to our detriment. I found it fascinating and recommend it to anyone interested in such areas.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Out footprints through time track the story of a unique creature tempted incessantly to tamper Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
new mental health worker, consumption disorders, moral net, postemotional society, philosophical counseling, compulsive buying, compulsive consumption, cultural cognition, existential isolation, social unconscious, acculturative stress, protean self Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, Los Angeles, Age of Anxiety, Mickey Mouse New!
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Out footprints through time track the story of a unique creature tempted incessantly to tamper Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
new mental health worker, consumption disorders, moral net, postemotional society, philosophical counseling, compulsive buying, compulsive consumption, cultural cognition, existential isolation, social unconscious, acculturative stress, protean self Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, Los Angeles, Age of Anxiety, Mickey Mouse New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 3
books:
3
books
cite this book:
- Escape from Evil by Ernest Becker on page 30
- The American Psychological Association: A Historical Perspective/100 Years by Rand B. Evans in Back Matter
- Habits of the Heart: Middle America Observed by Robert Bellah on page 17
- The Rapture Of Maturity: A Legacy Of Lifelong Learning by Charles D. Hayes in Back Matter
- The 3-Day Solution Plan: Jump-start Lasting Weight Loss by Turning Off the Drive to Overeat [BURST:] Lose up to 6 pounds in 3 days! by Laurel Mellin in Back Matter
- Workers of the World Relax by Conrad Schmidt on page 8
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