The Culture of Excess: How America Lost Self-Control and Why We Need to Redefine Success - Hardcover

Slosar, J.R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0313377685 ISBN 13: 9780313377686

Publisher: Praeger, 2009

Synopsis

In the wake of the 2008-2009 economic recession, this revealing work offers a psychological explanation of how we as a nation grapple with self-control and how we can develop a new and healthier generation.

· Numerous vignettes and case studies illustrate the major themes of the book

· Dozens of research citations at the end of each chapter

· An extensive bibliography referencing 75 professional journals and 48 books

· A comprehensive index

About this title

Review:

"Jay Slosar gives us the benefit of his years of clinical and teaching experiences with people who reveal just how firmly we live in an age of excess. Wonderfully written, the Culture of Excess not only discusses how we got to this point, but offers insights on how to change course. Individuals, parents, decision-makers and others will come to see how we might turn 'Generation Me' into 'Generation We,' and create a better world in the process. This is an important book." (Elizabeth Loftus, PhD, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Irvine
Past President, Association for Psychological Science)

"Dr. Slosar offers a depth-psychological analysis and understanding of the forces shaping our popular culture. He reaches the troubling conclusion that we are in an age that applauds excessive self absorption and devalues a community spirit. His insight into the psychosocial conflicts that are unfolding in the 21st century breathe new meaning into those ancient, Talmudic queries about the relationship between self and others: If I am not for myself, who is for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? This work is timely and wise." (Richard Lettieri, PhD, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst, Newport Psychoanalytic Institute, Faculty, New Center for Psychoanalysis)

"This is a fast-paced yet penetrating account that integrates psychological insights into the many paradoxes of our recent social, cultural, political and economic transformations. The actualities of our collective experiences are set within a framework of understanding that both provokes and illuminates. You will want to argue with the author, wish to extend his reasoning, and ask him how we can alter our personal trajectories to achieve a life that is more balanced and authentic. At the end, you'll thank Slosar for putting it all out there for you to grapple with." (Myron Orleans, Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology, California State University, Fullerton)

"Unless Americans begin to appreciate the psychological forces driving our national behavior we will be unable to tame the destructive tendencies that have caused today's economic avalanche. Dr. Slosar gives us a wonderful opportunity to understand the real forces that have been driving America's culture of excess. There is great insight in this book for decision makers and parents." (Bryant Welch, JD, PhD, Psychologist/Attorney and Author of State of Confusion: Political Manipulation and the Assault on the American Mind)

"As a clinician, the book inspired me to look at my practice differently. I repeat the book title to my patients, and Dr. Slosar's insightful analysis assists the dialog between my patients and me to recognize destructive environmental influences upon their challenges with self control, desire, and dashed expectations. The book is an eye opener and a must read for mental health providers, searching for a new listening perspective to assist others with the fight against the hope for easy solutions to one's problems. The book is an easy, but necessary read for the public, alerting us toward our culture's drift toward the illusion of quick rewards without the hard work. . . . His book significantly demands of the readers to re-think our paths to success which is just one of a number of thoughtful observations offered in The Culture of Excess." (Andrew N. Schwartz, PhD, clinical psychologist, past President of the Orange Country Psychological Association)

About the Author:

J.R. Slosar is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Irvine, CA, and an adjunct assistant professor at Chapman University, Orange, CA. Read more here: www.cultureofexcess.com.

About this edition

• Publisher: Praeger
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0313377685
• ISBN 13: 9780313377686
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 238