The Success Trap by Stuart Slavin

THE SUCCESS TRAP by Stuart Slavin is subtitled “How the Pressure to Stand Out Is Fueling Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout in Teens--and the Fundamental Fix They Deserve.”  Slavin, a pediatrician, researcher and educator, has set himself an ambitious task and he works hard to describe the research (his own and from others) that is relevant to this topic. For example, he quotes numerous experts including Vicki Abeles, Jonathan Haidt, Jean Twenge, and Jennifer Breheny Wallace.  Sadly, the factors involved (e.g., unhelpful mindsets, social media, excessive homework, limited choice and control, lack of sleep) are generally well-known, but we still see increased levels of anxiety and depression (Slavin would argue since the 1950s). He tries to not only document the science (notes comprise about 10 percent of the text), but to also offer practical solutions, particularly for parents. In a section labeled “Supplemental Resources” he writes, “Fundamental change is desperately needed in our education system along with strong parent advocates for reform, as the system is unlikely to change unless pressure is applied.” From there, he outlines suggested steps (e.g., raise awareness, push initially for changes that require little financial cost). THE SUCCESS TRAP is a text that deserves to be read and discussed widely; I do wish that it was less dense and contained more chapter summaries or even checklists, plus links to exemplary programs like Erika’s Lighthouse. Having an educators’ version or perhaps an abridged version for high school students themselves (think The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens) could also be helpful.