Decades of data reveal a decline in our collective capacity to see other people’s perspectives. This signals a connection crisis that stretches across generations. During this friendship recession, we live in a socially starved society where indifference is considered fashionable. This trend has devolved into a social health crisis, fueling a surge in adolescent mental health issues. Ignoring our inherent emotional vulnerability, boys are taught to suppress their feelings and that feelings are invaluable and weak.

To discuss the growing connection crisis, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen welcomes author and developmental psychologist, Dr. Niobe Way, PhD.

Niobe shares her unique insights about how our culture can unravel the damage and foster our ability to be emotionally sensitive and emotionally regulated, so that we may move forward into a more caring society.

Dr. Niobe Way, PhD—A Connection Crisis During a Friendship Recession:

• The “i” culture has created a connection crisis in humanity. {2:29}
• Parallel play is not connection; curiosity is. {8:41}
• Adolescent mental health is a cultural and social health crisis. {16:19}
• Rebels with a Cause addresses boys’ emotional vulnerability. {26:18}
• Corporations that care about well-being do better. {30:44}

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Niobe Way, PhD, is a developmental psychologist whose pioneering research on adolescent social and emotional development reveals how cultural ideologies shape human connection in the U.S. and China. Through initiatives like the Project for the Advancement of our Common Humanity (PACH), the Listening with Curiosity Project, and the Science of Human Connection Lab, she works to counter the “crisis of connection” by cultivating relational intelligence in schools and communities. Her award-winning work has transformed the understanding of boys’ friendships, inspired major media coverage, and informed national psychological guidelines. Her latest book is Rebels with a Cause: Reimagining Boys, Ourselves, and Our Culture.

“To be seen, heard, and understood is love.” - Lisa Cypers Kamen

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