New research has uncovered a surprising correlation between embracing ‘wokeness’ and heightened levels of anxiety and depression, shedding light on the psychological implications of social justice advocacy. Here’s the full story.
“Woke”
In recent years, the term “woke” has been overused to the point where it has almost lost all meaning.
African-American Vernacular English
Originally stemming from African-American Vernacular English to denote awareness of the massive prevalence of discrimination or prejudice, its scope has expanded ever outward to encompass various social justice issues.
Sexism, Racism or Homophobia
Confined initially to several concepts popular in left-wing thought, such as the fight against societal injustice, be it sexism, racism or homophobia.
“Political Correctness”
However, as “woke” gained traction, so too was its meaning lost, as those with a more critical view of progressive politics used “woke” as a descriptor of anything they didn’t approve of or like, in much the same way “political correctness” was used before it.
Lost Meaning
The moniker has now been so overused that it has functionally lost all meaning, with a range of ever stranger things being described as woke, from skimmed milk to vegan sausage rolls.
Anxiety and Depression
Perhaps because of this constant barrage of attacks against what many would describe as progressive causes, a recent study has shed light on a concerning correlation between embracing “wokeness” and heightened levels of anxiety and depression.
Groundbreaking Study
The groundbreaking study, conducted by Oskari Lahtinen, a senior researcher at the University of Turku, Finland, examined the correlation between pro-social justice attitudes and mental health.
Five Thousand Surveys
Lahtinen’s research, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, surveyed 5,000 individuals, revealing a noteworthy link between ‘wokeness’ and increased reports of anxiety and depression.
Social Justice Attitudes
Lahtinen’s study utilised a series of questions to gauge participants’ attitudes towards social justice issues and perceptions of systemic oppression.
“The Colour of People’s Skin”
The questions varied across the gambit of social justice causes, with participants’ responses to statements like “We don’t need to talk more about the colour of people’s skin” or “If white people have, on average, a higher level of income than black people, it is because of racism,” noted.
Valuable Insights
These inquiries allowed the researchers to gain valuable insights into each individual’s ideological leanings.
Concerning Trends
Analysis of the data unveiled a concerning trend – individuals endorsing critical social justice beliefs exhibited higher levels of anxiety and depression.
Not Surprising
This correlation is perhaps not that surprising, suggesting, as it does, a potential psychological toll associated with embracing ‘wokeness’ and obtaining a greater awareness of the deep divides present in modern society, from income inequality to structural racism, would make each individual more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
American University Discourse
Lahtinen explained the reasoning behind their research, stating, “I had been paying attention to a development in American universities, where a new discourse on social justice became prevalent in the 2010s.”
Intersectional Discourse
They continued, “While critical social justice (or ‘intersectional’ or ‘woke’) discourse draws mainly from dynamics within American society, it has now surfaced in other Western countries as well.”
Anti-Woke
Following the explosion of anti-woke talking points, particularly in the US, Lahtinen decided to study the toll such a backlash would take on the mental health of those targeted by such measures.
Tip of the Iceberg
Despite the significance of Lahtinen’s findings, the study represents just the tip of the iceberg.
Limited Research
Before this research, academic exploration of the psychological impact of holding progressive social justice views was limited.
“Largely Data-Free”
Lahtinen explained, “This debate was largely data-free, and it could thus be considered a worthwhile question to study how prevalent these attitudes are. ‘No reliable and valid instrument existed prior to the study to assess the extent and prevalence of these attitudes in different populations, so I set out to develop one.”
Delving Deeper
Lahtinen’s work underscores the importance of delving deeper into the relationship between “woke” ideas and the impact they and the pushback against them can have on mental health.
Limited Scope
While Lahtinen’s study offers valuable insights, its scope is limited to Finland, with Lahtinen calling on other countries’ researchers to follow their lead.
“Quite Robust”
Lahtinen stated, “The studies were quite robust with a sample size above 5,000 and good psychometric properties.”
More Research Needed
They continued, “However, the scale would need to be validated in North American samples in order to know how these attitudes manifest there. I encourage colleagues in the United States to study the prevalence of these attitudes in the country where they originate from.”
Overlooked Aspect
The study’s findings shed light on a previously overlooked aspect of “wokeness” discourse – its potential impact on mental health.
Lasting Legacy
As society grapples with the lasting legacy of institutionalised racism, rampant sexism and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, understanding the psychological stresses placed on advocates for progressive policies becomes imperative.
Fight for a Fairer World
While those who fight for a fairer world may find themselves weighed down with the injustices prevalent in every society, they must be cognisant that structural inequalities don’t come to harm their mental health.
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The post Woke But Wimpy? Study Claims Woke People Suffer More Mental Health Issues first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.