The dangers of hyperfocus on the upper rungs

With implications for teachers, education policy makers, counsellors, parents and young people themselves

In my previous post we talked about how the foundation of identity - Basic Humanity, and Character - are critical for well-being, not only individually but also within a classroom and for all of society. Therefore, if we want to reduce discrimination and bullying of all kinds in the classroom and society, then we must concentrate on fostering a sense of ‘basic humanity’, and this can be done in a variety of ways, but most importantly by appreciation of each other. For example, being grateful, thanking one another… but many other ways too.

In this post we’ll consider Dr Stosny’s warning about the danger of a hyperfocus on the top rungs of identity.

The dangers of ‘hyperfocus on the upper rungs of the pyramid’

Dr Stosny warns,

Identifying with any of the upper rungs of the pyramid, at the expense of the foundation, causes prolonged stress or dysphoria.

Most of the ideological and cultural strife in the world (not to mention hate) stems from hyperfocus on any of the upper rungs while violating the foundation.

This is extremely important. Please read these two paragraphs again, and examine ‘the upper rungs’ of the pyramid:

In other words, there is a danger in inducing a hyperfocus on one or more of ‘gender’, ‘sexuality’, and/or ‘race/ethnicity’.

Are you in a position of authority or influence of children in your life?

What are the implications of Dr Stosny’s warning, for how you interact with children?
Are you a Health teacher? Or a counsellor or youth worker? Are you a curriculum designer? Are you involved in educational policy-making? Are you a young person yourself?

Do you want to help young people avoid prolonged stress and dysphoria in their lives? I hope you do.

Please keep these concepts in mind, as we begin to examine what is being taught in our schools (in New Zealand), in the next post.