A thesis claims that older generations have developed mental strengths that today’s generations do not possess. At the same time, it is emphasized that one should not directly compare generations. What is true about these statements?
What is it about specifically? The studies and theses come from the organization “Cottonwood Psychology”, which claims to be a team of professionally trained psychologists responsible for the content.
In a recent report from Cottonwood Psychology and in a report by Ouest-France, it is claimed that individuals born in the 60s/70s who are now over 50 developed certain skills through a “simpler, yet more challenging” childhood.
These strengths are said to contrast with younger generations, where technology, immediate availability, and stronger parental protection may weaken some of these skills. Generation Z is regarded, for example, as the generation that was born with a smartphone in hand.
Older people are said to possess mental strengths that the younger generation does not
What strengths are we talking about? The following strengths are mentioned that older generations are said to possess: more patience and a higher tolerance for frustration, better emotion regulation, and greater tolerance for discomfort. Additionally, a stronger concentration ability and better, direct conflict resolution.
At the same time, the authors emphasize that it should not be about a direct comparison of generations. All generations are affected by different external conditions that are said to impact their abilities and competencies.
- Patience: A slow flow of information, waiting for letters or programs, and enduring “boredom” have strengthened the ability to not require immediate reward.
- Tolerance for frustration: Clear boundaries, less “reward for participation”, and less pedagogical cushioning have led to the learning that failure is a normal part of life.
- Emotion regulation: Emotions were said to have been postponed more often because obligations took priority. This is believed to have facilitated an early learning of self-control.
- Satisfaction with what one has: Fewer consumption options and lower expectations for constant change have fostered a more realistic expectation of life.
- Tolerance for discomfort: Waiting, physically more demanding daily tasks, and limited resources have strengthened emotional flexibility and resilience.
- Concentration ability: Activities such as reading for hours, listening to analog music, or writing letters are said to contrast with today’s typical fragmented media usage.
- Direct conflict resolution: More direct communication without a digital intermediary is said to have promoted the ability to read body language, listen, and resolve conflicts directly.
Content-wise, the statements touch on several established findings from developmental psychology and media research, but they do not constitute a unified study. However, there are reports stating that frustration tolerance decreases with long screen times (via fritzundfraenzi.ch) and that older employees are attributed a high level of competence (via Uni-Kiel.de).
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