Psychologists Off the Clock

In this very special roundtable episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, our cohosts Debbie Sorenson and Emily Edlynn gather a panel of experts—including Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ellen Galinsky, and Devorah Heitner—to discuss an issue many parents face today: the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s mental health.  Bringing their unique perspectives together, they look at the often-alarmist messages surrounding technology use in youth, offering a balanced and hopeful perspective rooted in evidence-based science and field and personal experience.  Some of the key topics they talk about include addressing parental stress around technology, shifting from rigid monitoring to supportive mentoring, and how cultivating digital literacy and independence in our children.  Please tune in for thoughtful, evidence-based strategies that prioritize your children’s well-being and growth and reassure you that healthy digital citizenship is within reach without having to resort to fear-based tactics.  Listen and Learn: Meet the experts - Emily Edlynn, Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, Ellen Galinsky, and Devorah Heitner What are the effects of alarmist tech narratives? How do extreme views impact youth mental health? Lessons from public health campaigns on tech use Parents and community roles in digital literacy: How can we work together? Navigating the pressures of intensive parenting around tech Understanding the complex link between tech and mental health What science really says about technology’s impact on kids Recognizing data cherry-picking in tech research Teen suicide and the importance of careful data interpretation Key findings from the National Academy on social media How do teens really feel about tech? Harnessing positive peer influence on tech habits The critical role of sleep in teen well-being School tech policies: What can parents do? Ways to involve kids in creating tech solutions How fear-based messaging affects kids Parental roles: Monitoring vs. mentoring Building executive function skills through balanced tech use Resources:  Tracy’s New York Times review of The Anxious Generation: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/26/books/review/jonathan-haidt-the-anxious-generation.htm Devorah’s Newsweek article: https://www.newsweek.com/everyone-wants-save-children-social-media-what-about-rest-us-opinion-1922435  Emily’s debate with Jonathan Haidt:  You can watch it in its entirety here or this clip on YouTube. And you can follow the story of her participation in the debate on her Substack newsletter here https://emilyedlynn.substack.com/p/david-meet-goliath and here https://emilyedlynn.substack.com/p/sextortionist-rings-and-other-fear  The Surgeon General’s advisory on Parental stress: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/parents/index.html  A commentary by Emily, Debbie, and Yael on the advisory: https://emilyedlynn.substack.com/p/is-parent-stress-breaking-news  About our panelists:  Tracy A. Dennis-Tiwary, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology and neuroscience and Director of the Emotion Regulation Lab at Hunter College. Ellen Galinsky is President of Families and Work Institute and the elected President of the Work and Family Researchers Network. Devorah Heitner, PhD is the author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive and Survive in the Digital World. Emily Edlynn, PhD is a psychologist and the author of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children and the emotions journal for kids, In Your Feels. And of course you all know her as a cohost of Psychologists Off the Clock.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have an insightful discussion with Ruth Whippman this week, who urges us to rethink masculinity and nurture boys in a way that honors their mental health and emotional depth. A mother of three and the insightful author of Boy Mom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity, Ruth brings a personal and societal viewpoint to the intense pressures that often shape modern masculinity.  She sheds light on the cultural forces that define "being a man" and shares her journey in challenging these norms.  We also learn about Ruth’s experiences as a mother, how society's expectations affect boys from an early age, and the importance of fostering boys' emotional development and accepting their complete human complexity.  We hope you join us for this compassionate and in-depth conversation and broaden your understanding of how we can change how we see and raise boys today.  Listen and Learn:  The impossible expectations facing boys and men today—how do they find their way forward? How Ruth, a mother of three boys navigated feminism, fear, and future masculinity in a conflicted cultural moment  Are we burdening boys with blame from the past? The science behind why boys need more nurture early on but often receive less and how it creates an emotional gap with lasting effects How early affection shapes moral growth and how gender impacts this Are boys being deprived of friendship lessons that promote emotional depth and connection because of the way they are portrayed in the media? Precarious masculinity: how shifting ideals are creating a public health crisis for boys and men Hyperconnection and disconnection and how masculinity ties into mental health risks for boys The dark online world of 'incels,' where toxic masculinity and vulnerability collide in horrific ways The need to rethink how we approach boys' emotional growth beyond "masculinity" norms Resources:  Boymom, Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity Website: https://www.ruthwhippman.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@ruthwhippman Social Media:  https://www.instagram.com/ruthwhippman/ https://twitter.com/ruthwhippman https://www.facebook.com/RuthWhippman/ About:   Ruth Whippman is an author, journalist and cultural critic and the mother of three boys. A former BBC documentary director, she has written for the New York Times, Time magazine, The Guardian, HuffPost, and other publications. She is the author of the book America the Anxious, which was a New York Post Best Book of the Year and a New York Times Editors’ Choice and Paperback Row pick. Her latest book is Boymom, Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity. Related Episodes: 374. Developing and Deepening Connections with Adam Dorsay 361. Dudes and Dads: Men’s Mental Health with Danny Singley 360. The Laws of Connection with David Robson 331. Seeing Others: The Importance of Being Recognized and Valued with Michele Lamont 325. Unseen, Unheard, Undervalued with Janina Scarlet 304. The Emotional Lives of Teenagers with Lisa Damour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the relentless push for productivity is actually standing in the way of a truly fulfilling life?  Join cohost Michael Herold and guest Ross White, author of The Tree that Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive, as they redefine balance and purpose, challenging societal pressures to stay constantly “on.”  Using the wisdom of nature and the anatomy of a tree, Ross explores how psychological flexibility—grounded in rest, resilience, and self-awareness—can empower us to find strength in slowing down.  And discover how “relenting” can open doors to a balanced, purpose-filled life. Listen to the full conversation to uncover how embracing rest could be your greatest asset! Link to Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCtaljb-QMHXl6651OdUrK6Zwt5QeDckw6dCoDYszC-0XpyA/viewform?usp=send_form Listen and Learn:  Are mantras like 'no limits' actually harming us? Hear from Ross why relenting, not relentless, may be key Finding a balance between 'get,' 'threat,' and 'reset' mode—are you tuned to your true needs?   Is purpose found or formed?      Small steps that could lead you closer to your purpose The 'reset' formula to shift from burnout to balance by cultivating mental flexibility How you can thrive amid the ‘uncontrollables’ in life with the mindset shift high performers swear by What price would you pay for emotional well-being against mastery? How you can balance strong intention and light attachment in pursuit of a purposeful life What is the distinction between confidence and self-efficacy in high performance?  Resources:  The Tree that Bends: How a flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive The 'Strive2Thrive' webpage: https://www.strive2thrive.co.uk/ Instagram: @RossGWhite - https://www.instagram.com/rossgwhite/ X: @RossGWhite - https://x.com/RossGWhite LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-ross-g-white/ About Ross White Professor Ross White is an award-winning clinical psychologist who specializes in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of adults working in high-performance environments, including elite-level athletes in football, rugby, track and field, and tennis. He has collaborated with the World Health Organization and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on projects to reduce distress experienced by refugees and other populations in the aftermath of humanitarian crises. He is currently Professor of Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, and is a director of Strive2Thrive, a clinical psychology consultancy firm that provides interventions and training to help individuals and organizations thrive. Related Episodes 378 - The Happy High Achiever with Mary Anderson 363. Worrying Is Optional with Ben Eckstein 329. The Power of Curiosity with Scott Shigeoka 328. How to Navigate Change with Brad Stulberg 301. Seven Daily ACT Practices for Living Fully with Diana Hill and Debbie Sorensen 284. Things We Love with Aaron Ahuvia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stuck in the never-ending grind but still feel like it’s not enough?  Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist and author of Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free breaks down how hustle culture and wellness fads can mess with our sense of self-worth and add to our stress.  She talks about how perfectionism and the pressure to constantly achieve can leave us feeling anxious, and why it’s so important to tune into what you need, not what society tells you is right. Dr. Paula shares ideas like intuitive eating and flexible living, encouraging us to prioritize our own values over external expectations. She also touches on the importance of setting boundaries and using social media mindfully, so it doesn’t drain us. Her hope? To help people-pleasers and over-achievers find more balance, self-compassion, and ease in their lives. Listen and Learn:  How the pressures of perfectionism and toxic striving can manifest in every season of life from childhood to adulthood The harmful impact of hustle culture and how society glorifies relentless productivity and ties self-worth to achievement The fine line between healthy ambition and toxic striving and how burnout, perfectionism, and societal pressures intersect How wellness culture ties our worth to shifting health trends and body image, making people feel like they’re constantly chasing unrealistic ideals instead of real wellness Blending intuitive eating and ACT helps break free from toxic striving and find balance How rigid rules around food, time, and behavior quietly shape our lives Shifting from rigid rules to self-compassion can transform habits like sleep, exercise, and eating How shame can fuel rigid behaviors, toxic striving, and the liberating power of self-compassion  Embracing pleasure, rejecting guilt, and recognizing that enjoying life enhances our well-being and the value we bring to others  How reclaiming your intuition and setting media boundaries can transform your daily life Resources:  Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfuldrpaula/ About Paula Freedman-Diamond:  Paula Freedman-Diamond, Psy.D., is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is the owner and clinical director of HumanKind Psychological Services in Chicago, IL and the author of Toxic Striving: Why Hustle and Wellness Cultures are Leaving Us Anxious, Stressed, and Burned Out-- and How to Break Free, and The Addiction Recovery Workbook. Dr. Paula specializes in perfectionism, anxiety, and eating disorders. She enjoys helping high-achievers and people-please rs learn to stop chasing external approval and start living according to the wisdom of their own bodies and minds. Dr. Paula is on a mission to take down the toxic systems that make people feel like they're not good enough, no matter how hard they work. She is especially passionate about making healthcare more welcoming and respectful for all bodies. She provides education and supervision for clinical psychology doctoral students. She is a strong advocate for size inclusivity in health, fitness, and wellness spaces. Dr. Paula has been featured in the New York Times and is a featured expert for Reebok, Bark Technologies, and A Sweat Life. She is on the advisory boards for Medical Students for Size Inclusivity and Fat Torah. You can follow her on Instagram at @mindfuldrpaula.  Related Episodes: 358. How to Keep House While Drowning with KC Davis 378. The Happy High Achiever with Mary Anderson 230. The Laziness Lie with Devon Price 324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace 295. Buyer Beware: Pseudoscience and the Wellness Industry, featuring Pooja Lakshmin 326. Weight Stigma and Body Image with Sarah Pegrum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices