The Age of Insanity: Modernity and Mental Health - Hardcover

Schumaker, John F.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0275970523 ISBN 13: 9780275970529

Publisher: Praeger, 2001

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

John F. Schumaker is a retired Clinical Psychologist and author who also has 25-year career as a university academic across several countries including the United States, Zambia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He has researched and published articles on cross-cultural mental health, depression, psychology of religion, eating disorders and human suggestibility. His self-authored books are In Search of Happiness: Understanding an Endangered State of Mind (Kindle 2016; Penguin Books 2006; German edition Das Manipulierte Gluck: Von den trügerischen Verheißungen der Konsumkultur: WJS, Berlin);  The Age of Insanity: Modernity and Mental Health (Praeger); The Corruption of Reality: A Unified Theory of Religion, Hypnosis, and Psychopathology (Prometheus Books); and Wings of Illusion (Prometheus Books).  His edited books are Religion and Mental Health (Oxford University Press), Human Suggestibility (Routledge); Cultural Cognition and Psychopathology (Praeger); Psychology and the Developing World (Praeger); Motivation and Culture (Routledge); and Perspectives on Belief and Experience (Prism Press).  His essays for The New Internationalist magazine include "The Demoralized Mind," "The Happiness Conspiracy," "The Triumph of Triviality," "Dying for the Things We Love," "Dead Zone," "Earth Warrior," and "Starstruck."  He currently lives in Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand. 

Review:

"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

"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

?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

?Large collections at all levels.?-Choice

About this edition

• Publisher: Praeger
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0275970523
• ISBN 13: 9780275970529
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224