Subjects are needed for research: How Does Social Media Impact Adolescent Mental Health?

Project Director: Kostadin Kushlev, Ph.D. Georgetown University (website: Kushlev.com). 

Please help finding subjects ages 10 to age 14 who are about to receive their first smartphone. Click on the link below for information on this research project. 

For example, knowing that a first born most often identifies with adults and takes on lots of responsibility, give them opportunities in the family to not always have to do that or feel that they have to do that.  Same if they feel a strong sense of leadership as a firstborn:  learn to allow others to lead, or give them encouragement to see that strength without having to always take the lead, or be as capable as an adult.  Let each dial down a little.  Or learn insight for themselves so they are aware of what makes them happiest, or their effect on others, etc.

That would be a useful next topic I hope.

Bryna

Theo Joosten (Chair of ICASSI and also a member of the IAIP Pedagogics section) has reached out for assistance with a new project. His IAIP section has developed a survey to gather crucial data directly from parents about what kind of support and training they truly want in the challenging task of raising children.

Their goal is to get as wide a distribution as possible to ensure the data is reliable, and the request is time-sensitive, with a deadline of November 9th.

Registration is open now (until January 25th): https://icassi-2026.ticketspice.com/icassi-2026-virtual-winter-conference

You first select the amount and then choose your workshops.

Who is this for? Anyone with an interest in Adlerian theory looking to deepen their understanding and practice. 

What to Expect

Our monthly gatherings will be held over Zoom. Facilitated by Dr. Amy Lew and Marjie Longshore, Ed.M., the format will include small and large group conversations as we explore ideas together.

The meeting focused on discussing how to share difficult topics with children, particularly in the context of current world events and political tensions. Alyson and Amy led the discussion, sharing insights on age-appropriate ways to talk to children about challenging subjects, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, honest communication, and modeling appropriate responses to difficult news. The conversation covered strategies for helping children process information, the role of schools in supporting these discussions, and the impact of competitive versus cooperative cultural messages on child development. Participants shared personal experiences and perspectives, including challenges around gender roles and the current state of education systems. The conversation ended with plans to consider future topics, with suggestions to explore themes around competitive and cooperative cultures in raising children.

Key Takeaways

• Talking about difficult topics with children requires age-appropriate communication, with younger children needing fewer details and older children capable of more adult-level conversations

• Parents should focus on what they notice and model values through actions rather than just words

• Family meetings and regular family dinners are crucial for maintaining connection and teaching democratic values

• Children are exposed to news and world events regardless of parental shielding attempts, making it important to provide accurate information and context

• Taking action on issues helps children feel empowered and prevents feelings of hopelessness

• Schools play a vital role beyond academics in providing tools for critical thinking and social-emotional learning. Noted the competitive culture in society conflicts with cooperative values that families try to instill

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9PNZLVV 

workers, students, and mental health

professionals for a full-day conference

exploring the intersection of Attachment and

Adlerian theories. Join us as we translate

theory into practice, strengthen clinical

skills, and deepen our ability to foster

belonging, connection, and growth in the

lives of those we serve.

It's a full day of discussion, demonstration, small-group work, and hands-on therapeutic exercises. What you'll work through:

* The key causes of resistance in therapy, and creative ways to connect with clients despite barriers

* The Democratic Youth Engagement (DYE) model, and how it moves past "fix the kid" thinking with young people

* The barriers that quietly shape clinical work, including cross-generational, cross-cultural, therapeutic, treatment, professional collaboration, and personality (lifestyle) barriers

* Your own lifestyle barriers, and how examining them across the lifespan sharpens your work with clients of every age

Led by Marina Bluvshtein, Ph.D., LP, MA, LMFT (Adler University professor emerita and Adler Academy co-founder) and Adam Arnold, MA, LMFT, LADC (psychotherapist, trainer, and designer of the DYE model).

Registration and breakfast open at 9:30 am, with the conference running 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. Lunch is also included!

Register today at: https://adleracademymn.ticketspice.com/aam-2026

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This webinar will be helpful for working with strong-willed children (or parents!) who lock horns and act oppositional.  Using her visual props to explain psychological concepts, Alyson will help participants understand the dynamic that ignites and fuels a power struggle, as well as a 4-step method to move from conflict to co-operation.  Attendees will be given many opportunities to share situations they feel stumped by to get support and ideas from Alyson and the group. 

In this workshop, Alyson discusses the recent changes in our parenting approaches that have negatively impacted children’s development.  Parents want resilient children who are less needy and demanding.  They want to be sure they will be ready to launch.  However, parents also inadvertently sabotage their own goals.  Participants will learn how to go about training children for independence and competency as well as keeping them accountable for their responsibilities without nagging, fighting or stepping in to rescue them.  The importance of stress tolerance through mistake-making and how encouragement, rather than praise, will establish the healthy mindset children need for growth will be demonstrated.