Psychologist: Grandparents Key to Youth Mental Health
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- Kenneth Barish, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Psychology at Weill Cornell Medicine, published 'The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting,' drawing on 40 years of clinical experience to argue grandparents can help counter rising youth mental health challenges
- More than 40% of U.S. teenagers report ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a figure Barish links to the decline of extended family involvement that the U.S. Surgeon General has called a continuing crisis
- Barish argues American culture has shifted from 'We' to 'I,' with preoccupation with individual achievement eroding kindness and caring in children's lives and fueling anxiety, depression, and substance abuse
- Research reviewed by psychologist Jane Piliavin found that helping others is associated with higher self-esteem, lower depression rates, reduced school dropouts, improved immune function, and longer life expectancy
- Barish identifies 'not too much praise, but too much criticism' as the most common problem in his clinical work, noting that frequent criticism breeds resentment and defiance rather than motivation
- Drawing on Carol Dweck's 'growth mindset' concept, Barish recommends adults 'praise effort, not intelligence or talent' and focus on fostering emotional strength and meaningful conversations over teaching specific skills
Why it matters: With 40% of U.S. teens reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness, Barish's framing reframes the youth mental health debate away from skill-building and toward relationship-building — and specifically positions grandparents, not therapists or schools, as an underused emotional resource for families.
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