Pop Psychology: The Problem with Oversimplifying Mental Health

September 18, 2024 PCI Centers

The Risks of Oversimplifying Psychology: Why Pop Psychology Falls Short

Pop psychology is short for “popular psychology”. Pop psychology refers to concepts and theories about human behavior that gain widespread acceptance and are disseminated to the public (Cuncic, 2023). These ideas often derive from valid psychological research but are simplified or adapted for mass consumption. Pop psychology topics frequently appear in self-help books, magazine articles, television shows, podcasts, and social media posts (Cuncic, 2023).

Common Misconceptions in Pop Psychology: Overgeneralization and Misleading Advice

While these sources aim to make psychological knowledge accessible and applicable to everyday life, they sometimes oversimplify complex concepts or present them without the nuanced understanding necessary for accurate application (Finch, 2023).

One hallmark of pop psychology is its focus on practical advice for personal improvement and well-being. Common themes include improving self-esteem, fostering better relationships, managing stress, and achieving personal success. Unfortunately, the information presented in pop psychology content can be overly generalized, misleading, a misinterpretation of psychological health, pathologizing healthy behavior, and stereotypical (Finch, 2023). Sometimes people rely heavily on pop psychology and do not seek legitimate support from providers.

Critics of pop psychology argue that it can sometimes promote pseudoscience or unfounded theories. The desire to offer quick fixes or sensationalize findings can result in the dissemination of advice that lacks empirical support (Cuncic, 2023). This criticism underscores the importance of distinguishing between evidence-based practices and those that are merely popular or intuitively appealing. Despite these criticisms, pop psychology can serve as a gateway for individuals to learn more about psychology and potentially pursue more in-depth study or professional therapy.

Four Pop Psychology Concepts Overused by Content Creators:

1. Calling people a narcissist

2. Legitimizing a non-clinical word, gaslighting, and using it to describe behavior

3. Overusing the word triggered at the slightest inconvenience or when the mind and body experience a slight reaction to environmental stimuli. Using the word inaccurately or prematurely can minimize the actual experience of being triggered, especially among people living with PTSD.

4. Normalizing unhealthy or maladaptive behavioral issues, as if most people will or do experience the very behavior. Sometimes issues are normalized to reduce any shame or self-criticism one may be feeling toward self, however what is being normalized may not be common or statistically likely in people. It may be better to convey acceptance and address shame/criticism without normalizing.
(Dwyer, 2024)

The Difference Between Pop Psychology and Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study and promotion of well-being, personal strengths, and positive emotions to help individuals and communities thrive. It is limited, however, in the sense that it can cover up negative thinking or issues rather than solving them.

The popularity of certain ideas can sometimes lead to the propagation of myths or misconceptions about human behavior and mental health. For example, the oversimplified notion of “positive thinking” as a cure-all for psychological issues may neglect the complexity of mental health conditions and the necessity of professional intervention in many cases (Cuncic, 2023). Another example may be that many social media personalities use smart-sounding concepts such a ‘trauma response’ to explain problematic behavior in self and others (Cuncic, 2023) however their theory and abstract thought is mistaken for evidence-based thoughts. The same social media personalities could have a personal gain in promoting pop psychology, such as a healing seminar, subscription to a page, or a book they wrote.

Pop Psychology: Mental Health Tips Simplified, but Misleading

• Pop psychology can normalize unhealthy behaviors to reduce shame, even when such behaviors are uncommon or maladaptive.
• Social media amplifies pop psychology, with influencers oversimplifying psychological concepts to engage audiences, often leading to misconceptions and promoting pseudoscience.
• Overuse of terms like “narcissist,” “gaslighting,” and “triggered” by content creators, often without clinical accuracy or proper context.
• Misleading information can discourage people from seeking professional mental health support
• While pop psychology has made psychological concepts more accessible to the public, it often oversimplifies and misrepresents complex ideas, particularly on social media.

How to Seek Reliable Psychological Support: Moving Beyond Pop Psychology

It is crucial to approach psychological information with a critical eye and to differentiate between pop psychology and evidence-based practices. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the conflicting advice online or are seeking clarity on mental health topics, don’t hesitate to reach out to PCI. Our team of professionals is here to provide accurate information and support tailored to your needs, helping you navigate your mental health journey with confidence and care. Contact us today to learn more and get the support you deserve.