From analog to digital, from vinyl records to CDs, and from rotary phones to smartphones - this generation has lived through an era of remarkable change. They grew up eagerly awaiting the debut of television classics like "Happy Days," "MAS*H", and "The X-Files. Their youth is defined by bands and music that resonated deeply. Born between 1965 and 1980, nestled between the Baby Boomers and Millennials, Generation X experienced the shift from single to dual-income households and was at the forefront of witnessing several significant socio-economic transformations. Their formative years, characterized by independence, adaptability, and the necessity for resourcefulness has influenced their perspectives and experiences, especially in the realm of mental health. This post aims to understand the experience of Gen Xers through a mental well-being lens.
Generation X grew up during times of pronounced economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and evolving family structures. Yet, in a climate of change, they discovered resonance and comfort in the narratives of films like “The Breakfast Club" and “Reality Bites”, which echoed the current dynamics of evolving identities amidst a changing family structure. This era witnessed a surge in dual-income households and rising divorce rates, leading to a significant number of Gen X youth to look after themselves more frequently. The normalcy of returning home to empty houses after school is what earned this generation the nickname “the latchkey kids”. This is not only a label but a shared experience that underscores the early independence and responsibility instilled from a young age.
Compared to Millennials and Gen Z, Generation X is not tied to digital forms of information such as social media or networking technologies. Gen Xers tend to learn about topics and services through various sources such as medical journals, healthcare interactions, personal conversations, and reputable online sources. Despite being the pioneers of the internet age, Gen Xers approach their quest for information with a level of skepticism, critically assessing rather than automatically accepting expert opinions.
The foundational experiences of hyper independence along with growing up in a time marked by significant transition can undoubtedly have an impact on this generation’s mental health experience.
The mental health landscape for Generation X is intricate, shaped by personal experiences and a dynamic historical context. As a result of barriers to access and societal perceptions, this generation historically encountered difficulties in accessing mental health services. They witnessed pivotal shifts in mental health discussions, from stigmatization and extreme treatments to now a broader recognition of mental health and the need for services as part of holistic healing, which can complicate the comprehension and management of mental health.
To add further complexity to mental health for this generation, they have actually learned to defer their emotional needs. Gen X was raised in an era that prioritized adult concerns as the social and economic norms shifted, but as they entered into adulthood and parenthood, there was a shift to the focus of children’s mental health. As such, this cohort has undoubtedly had to develop a strong resilience.
Positive nostalgia is a sentimental longing for one’s past, which is established as a source of comfort amidst social, existential, or personal threats. This form of nostalgia, which focuses on recalling positive memories, serves as a pivotal means of comfort and connection. Generation X, deeply influenced by media consumption, including what they watched and listened to, their connection to music, television, and entertainment offered a unique form of solace and connection during periods of uncertainty, endowing them with a distinct capacity to tap into nostalgia. However, nostalgia for Gen Xers extends beyond reminiscing over episodes of “Saved by the Bell” or the unforgettable sound of a dial up internet connection. It involves reflective appreciation and connecting to an identity and values that seemed more distinct in the midst of simpler times. Tapping into nostalgia can create a more relatable and effective therapeutic environment, acknowledging the cultural experiences of Gen X to facilitate a strong client-therapist rapport.
Properly utilized, nostalgia can evoke a sense of safety and connection through cherished memories. It is not about living in the past, but revisiting moments of it that evoke positive emotions. Nostalgia encourages us to connect to our authentic self and explore what brings meaning to our lives, which is a core focus of many therapies. For Generation X who have grown up navigating personal and societal shifts, positive nostalgia fosters social and cultural connections that tie to our emotional regulation system. Such a sense of connection can offer a calming effect. Think about nostalgia being similar to the DeLorean in “Back to the Future” in that nostalgia allows us to transport back to moments of the past associated with positive memories to reconnect with oneself. For a generation known for its resilience and independence, but also for its deep connections to cultural milestones, nostalgia can be a therapeutic tool to leverage sources of comfort and meaning.
No matter the generational cohort, an individual's age range or era does not define one's mental health state or challenges. However, the collective experiences of a generation do play a role within the therapy experience. For Generation X, their mental health journey may be intertwined with their unique life experiences, values, and the significant societal changes they've witnessed. Therapy that acknowledges these aspects can offer meaningful support, meeting Gen Xers where they are and guiding them in their mental health journey.
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References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Does nostalgia have a psychological purpose? With Krystine Batcho, PhD. On Speaking of Psychology [Podcast Transcript].
Fleury, J., Sedikides, C., Wildschut, T., Coon, D. W., & Komnenich, P. (2022). Feeling Safe and Nostalgia in Healthy Aging. Frontiers in psychology, 13, 843051. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.843051
Jordan, J. (n.d.). Generation X: Why We Deserve New Branding [Video]. TEDxUniversityofDelaware. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CX9i8WbaE5g
Lee, J. (2023). Gen X and Gen Z interaction in the Therapeutic Alliance, and the use of RCT to mediate conflict.
Therapist.com team, & Bear, B. (2024, February 12). Gen X and mental health. therapist.com. https://therapist.com/generations/gen-x/
Cangelosi, J. (2020). Comparison of millennials, generation X, and baby boomers attitudes toward preventive health information: A social media emphasis. https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1437&context=ama_proceedings
