Part 4/8:
Recent studies in Australia, including the Wise Teens program, aimed to teach adolescents coping strategies for emotional regulation. However, they found that frequently ruminating on negative emotions can exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety rather than alleviate them.
This leads to a critical reflection on therapeutic practices. While many academic psychologists recognize harmful trends in current therapy methods — such as overindulging patients in their feelings — some clinical therapists minimize these risks, often prioritizing long-term engagements over effective, needed interventions.