Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Abstract

What can be Done in the Face of Growing Social Confusion Which Spreads in Most Western Countries and Threatens Public Mental Health?

Andrzej Brodziak, Alicja Różyk–Myrta and Agnieszka Wolińska

The authors argue that in the last few years we have seen a recurrent pattern of social change. It consists in the strengthening of nationalist and xenophobic sentiments, a demagogic and deceitful campaign in mass media, which has already led quite often to 'populist coups’. The next populist upheavals could happen in near future. This may cause the disintegration of the European Union. The populist upheaval can happen in the Unites States. At the same time, the authoritarian way of governance increases in many regions of the world.

Substantial susceptibility to populist arguments results from growing inequalities and the uncontrolled actions of owners of supranational capital, which is poorly controlled by the national elites.

New social phenomenon is also a wave of refugees and difficulties in the integration of newcomers. The dissemination of information and ideas incompatible with the conventional way of thinking is frightening to citizens.

The authors postulate that the recent intensification of the nationalist and xenophobic attitude in European countries is detrimental to public mental health. The xenophobic attitude is accompanied by a higher incidence of anxiety and depression, disputes due to the polarization of opinions, unfavorable demographic predictions and reduced life satisfaction. The authors are convinced that some tools from the realm of so called 'positive psychology and 'positive psychiatry' could be used to counteract these unfavorable social changes.