Rethinking Wellness cover image

Rethinking Wellness

Fighting Mental-Health Misinformation and Wellness Pseudoscience with Jonathan Stea

Sep 9, 2024
Clinical psychologist and science communicator Jonathan Stea discusses the rise of pseudoscientific mental health practices and the impact of misinformation. He highlights how social media shapes wellness culture and examines the effectiveness of mental health diets. Stea emphasizes the dangers posed by wellness influencers and stresses the need for scientific literacy. He also explores the role of TikTok therapists and the challenges they face in correcting misconceptions, providing listeners with tools to navigate mental health advice more effectively.
37:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The rise of pseudoscientific mental health practices is fueled by dissatisfaction with conventional care and pervasive misinformation on social media.
  • Developing science literacy is essential for individuals to critically evaluate health claims and avoid misleading wellness practices.

Deep dives

The Pseudoscience Market in Mental Health

There is a significant market for pseudoscientific mental health practices, driven by various psychological, social, and economic factors. Many individuals are dissatisfied with mainstream mental health care due to perceived gaps in knowledge, treatment options, and the healthcare system as a whole. This dissatisfaction often leads them to seek alternative methods, as they may find these alternatives more aligned with their personal beliefs or philosophies. The prevalence of misinformation exacerbated by social media creates an environment where wellness grifters can easily promote unproven practices, drawing people further into pseudoscienc.

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