The Dream S3 E8: Striving Is Bad for Your Health
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Oct 25, 2023 Coaching may not benefit those who need it most. Positive thinking and mindset culture can have negative impacts on health and happiness. The legend of John Henry raises questions about the consequences of striving too hard. African Americans in the working class face hardships and health issues. Striving for excellence is correlated with hypertension. Stress reactions and structural inequalities impact health. The self-improvement culture and rugged individualism have negative effects. Educating the public about the physiological costs of striving is essential.
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John Henry Martin's Burden
- John Henry Martin's story mirrors the legendary John Henry but in resisting economic exploitation through sharecropping.
- He achieved land ownership and upward mobility but at a great health cost, including severe arthritis and ulcers.
Striving Harms Health
- High levels of active coping or striving correlate strongly with hypertension and shorter lifespan in Black Americans.
- Greater effort to overcome adversity often leads to increased health risks, even among the socioeconomically successful.
Weathering and Chronic Stress
- Chronic stress from systemic racism and economic hardship accelerates health deterioration, a concept called weathering.
- Coping constantly with societal pressures triggers physiological stress, harming long-term health.