This chapter discusses the rise of toxic achievement culture and how it can negatively impact the mental health of young people. It explores the idea that when our sense of self becomes too entangled with our achievements, we only feel good about ourselves when we're achieving. The chapter also shares some personal stories and vignettes to illustrate the effects of toxic achievement culture.
The best grades, the best schools, the best sports programs, the best universities – sure, it's great for students to strive for success. But when does the pressure to succeed become too much?
American journalist Jennifer Wallace says 'toxic achievement culture' is harming the mental health of many students.
Is this a uniquely American phenomenon?