Editorial
The Era of Affluence and Its Discontents

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A Child's Response to Isolation and Pressure

Undoubtedly, parents of all socioeconomic status work hard to provide for their families. However, parents who are driven to excel professionally are home less often. Findings indicate that the higher the social economic standing, the less time parents spend with their children because of working early and later hours, weekends, and excessive travel. When families are together, communication tends to be superficial because each member remains focused on work; tuned in to their own computers,

Affluenza and the Recessionv—A Rude Awakening

In recent years, the affluenza epidemic and the clinical implications for parents and children have been of concern. Now, this condition of the privileged life has taken a startling and negative turn. The stock market has fallen to a historic low, and unemployment is at an all-time high. As our economic future seems uncertain, the unfolding crisis takes a toll on parents and children. The crisis has been thrust on a number of formerly affluent families who, at best, experience frustrating

Children of Affluenza: The New High-Risk Group in Economic Crisis

Unfortunately, high parental education and/or material resources do not protect family relationships when the economy fails. A faltering economy lends to a decrease in personal resources and ultimately less control over one's environment. In many instances, affluent parents, now with less disposable income, have decreased control over their own lives.

Their children, used to the privileged lifestyles, experience difficulty in a different way. Having had little or no experience with living in

Intervention Strategies

When children lack the resiliency to effectively adapt to a changing environment, clinical symptoms may emerge. Young people begin to show signs of depression and anxiety such as sadness, worry, insecurity, or sleeplessness at home. In school, they may lack concentration and motivation or complain of poor memory and retention. Behavioral issues and social conflicts arise. Yet, this high risk group of youths, often considered well protected because of parental influence and wealth, are less

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Schuyler W. Henderson, M.D., and Michael S. Jellinek, M.D., served as Assistant Editors for this editorial.

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