2024 Annual Yellowbrick Conference

US Cultural Evolution and the Internalized Relationship to Power & Authority Within Gen-Z

Jesse Viner MD

Founder, CEO, Chief Clinical Officer
Yellowbrick

Summary:
This presentation will review the evolution of historical events beginning in the 1960’s which have reshaped the culture in the United States towards a powerful change in the relationship of individuals to authority and a shift in the location of power. The presentation posits that these changes are internalized within GenZ and converge with their life experiences of having been born in the wake of the Dot-Com bust, living through the 2008 financial crisis and recession, the pandemic and the polarizing politics of their emerging adulthood. The psychological consequences and implications for treatment will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

1. 1. The participant will be able to identify 3 historical events within US history which changed the culture’s relationship to power and authority.
   2. The participant will be able to identify 3 historical events that directly affected Gen Z’s relationship to power and authority.
   3. The participant will be able to identify 3 psychological consequences for Gen Z of this cultural shift.

The Loneliness Paradox: Why Gen-Z Feels So Alone in a Hyperconnected World

Michael Groat PhD

Interim CEO/Chief Clinical Officer
Lindner Center of Hope
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Cincinnati

“How Did That Get in There?” Inventive Methods for Addressing Self-Compassion for Young Adults

Kerry Horrell PhD

Staff Psychologist and Youth Division Coordinator
Assistant Professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine

Seeking Nuance in the Effective Care for Co-Occuring Disorders for Gen-Z

Mychal Riley LCSW-S

Program Director – Menninger 360
The Menninger Clinic

Summary:
While mental illness trends in the U.S. suggests growing concern for Generation Z, current substance use data paints a more complicated picture. Substance use and addictive behaviors have concerning increases in some areas but encouraging decreases in others. While the causes of these trends are still unknown, it appears that a host of factors, from the significant advancements in technology and changing political landscape to increase in social-emotional learning, has led to a nuanced impact on a generation already more vulnerable to mental health struggles. As providers and stake holders, our interventions will subsequently need to holistically consider these nuances to provide effective care for co-occuring disorders.

Learning Objectives:

1. 1. Review the latest trends in substance use behavior in generation Z
   2. Consider factors contributing to the shift from previous generations
   3. Review public interventions that have been working and have been less effective
   4. Treatment considerations in the context of the changing psychosocial, political and legal landscape

Summary:
This presentation explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Gen Z, the first generation of digital natives, drawing from the scholarly works of Sherry Turkle and Jonathan Haidt, who share common concerns about the impact of digital technology, particularly social media, on human relationships, mental health, and society. Constant access to information and communication through digital devices has significantly shaped their mental health, social interactions, and sense of purpose. The greater presence of and reliance on technology has disrupted neurobiological processes critical for developing safety, trust, and healthy social connections, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, loneliness, cyberbullying, reduced attention spans, and diminished face-to-face social skills. However, the same digital environment has also opened doors for better mental health support. Gen Z’s online experiences have increased mental health awareness and reduced stigma, making them more open to discussing mental health struggles. Digital platforms have given them the language and space to express their experiences more effectively. This presentation will delve into how being a digital native affects emerging adults’ neurobiological and psychological development, using clinical examples from a community-based outpatient treatment center. It will also explore how Gen Z is arriving in our consultation group psychotherapy rooms and what strategies for improving mental health treatment for this generation.

Learning Objectives:

1. 1. Participants will better understand the advantageous and disruptive presence of technology on the neurobiological and psychological development of the Gen-Z cohort.
   2. Participants will better understand the impact of societal crises on Gen Z’s mental health.
   3. Participants will consider ways to evolve treatment approaches that align with digital natives’ evolving life experiences.