September 17, 2023
Jennifer Breheny Wallace explores the pervasive issue of achievement culture and its impact on mental health, particularly among youth. Wallace, an acclaimed journalist, delves into the psychological need for mattering—feeling valued for who we are rather than what we achieve. Her insightful examination reveals how this ‘achievement culture’ contributes to an epidemic of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The book proposes a shift from an emphasis on achievements to fostering a sense of mattering, offering a transformative approach to addressing the mental health crisis.