WHY

DON’T

WE

TREAT PSYCHOLOGICAL

CANCER?

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L. Poenaru

 

 

Psychotherapy, traditionally focused on alleviating individual psychological distress, faces significant challenges in addressing the broader societal and cultural contexts that shape mental health. This limitation stems from the discipline’s emphasis on managing symptoms rather than confronting the internal economic codes and the systemic roots of those symptoms, such as consumerism, materialism, and the metaphorical "economic war" many individuals find themselves navigating. These systemic issues often act as a kind of "psychological cancer," deeply embedded in the collective unconscious and internalized as personal beliefs and values. The failure to address these factors not only limits the effectiveness of psychotherapy but also risks perpetuating the very societal structures that contribute to psychological distress.

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By not addressing these contexts, psychotherapy risks treating only the symptoms of distress, rather than the underlying societal "cancers" such as economic inequality, systemic racism, or cultural and economic pressures. Psychotherapists, like their clients, operate within a culture deeply influenced by consumerism and materialism. This leads to a normalization of these cultural norms, where the focus is on helping individuals adapt to societal expectations and its economic codes rather than questioning them. Such normalization reinforces the belief that personal worth is tied to material success and productivity, perpetuating the stress and dissatisfaction associated with these values. As Fromm (2010/1991) reminds us, the dominant view of pathology, which focuses on the individual's inability to adapt to established patterns of behavior and lifestyles in society, is actually fundamentally flawed. We see once again that psychopathology can, as Fromm suggests, be a reaction to an abnormal context, or even to a profoundly sick society.

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The emphasis on personal responsibility in psychotherapy, while empowering, overlooks the structural constraints that limit individual agency. By focusing on individual change and adaptation, therapy inadvertently places the burden of well-being on the individual, ignoring how systemic issues like economic inequality or job insecurity contribute to mental health problems. This results in a permanent sense of failure or self-blame among clients, who may feel inadequate when they cannot meet societal expectations. By encouraging individuals to adapt to existing societal conditions, psychotherapy reinforces the status quo. This adaptation focuses on symptom relief and personal coping strategies, rather than challenging the broader societal forces that contribute to distress. In doing so, therapy becomes complicit in maintaining the existing power dynamics and social norms that prioritize economic output over human well-being.

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Many therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoanalysis, are effective for symptom management and insights but may fail to address deeper cultural and societal issues, and most importantly, the economic codes that are responsible for mental illnesses (Brown, 2021). It implies that beyond the visible societal and economic structures, there are deeply ingrained internalized beliefs, values, and assumptions—these "internal economic codes"—that influence how individuals think, feel, and behave within the context of the broader economic order.

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Thus, these approaches often prioritize quick fixes and measurable outcomes, aligning with neoliberal values of efficiency and productivity. While useful in the short term or even in the long term, they may not provide the depth needed to tackle the root causes of distress embedded in economic and social structures. This focus perpetuates a superficial level of healing, keeping individuals in a state of cognitive dissonance, where they manage to function within an unhealthy system without addressing, both philosophically and clinically, the deeper incongruities and conflicts between their lived experiences and the underlying economic realities. As a result, individuals continue to adapt to and endure these harmful structures, rather than really questioning or transforming them, which further consolidates the status quo and prevents meaningful, systemic change for individuals and societies.

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Therapeutic models that do integrate societal factors, such as queer therapy or liberation psychology (Montero & Sonn, 2009), are not widely practiced. As a result, many therapists lack the training or frameworks needed to address the impact of societal and economic structures on mental health. This gap limits the ability of psychotherapy to foster true healing and societal transformation.

 

IMPACTS ON LIVES AND FAMILIES

The internalized economic codes—such as the relentless pursuit of success, the equation of self-worth with material wealth, and the glorification of individualism and competition—function like cancer, gradually eroding mental health, relationships, and community well-being. Economic psychological cancer fosters a culture of chronic stress and anxiety, where individuals are constantly pressured to achieve, compete, and accumulate. The demands of maintaining a certain lifestyle, job insecurity, and the fear of economic failure create a relentless state of stress. This chronic stress impacts mental and physical health, leading to conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, hypertension, heart disease, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, allergies, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cancer (Yann, 2016).

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Moreover, in the pervasive economic war people may experience burnout, emotional exhaustion, and a sense of hopelessness as they strive to meet unrealistic economic and social expectations. For example, according to the journal Tribune de Genève (4.9.2024):

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More than two-thirds of the Swiss population feel tired and exhausted, according to a study commissioned by the health insurance company CSS. Only 15% of those surveyed consider their state of health to be very good. This is the lowest value since the launch of this survey in March 2020, the health insurance company stated in a press release on Tuesday. The fifth survey also reveals that 35% of the population feel ill or not completely healthy. Across all age groups, 68% of respondents often feel exhausted and tired. This is, so to speak, the "new pandemic," notes CSS. Those aged 18-35 are the most negatively affected by performance-related pressure. Three-quarters of them feel they must always be healthy and high-performing, which leads to persistent exhaustion. More and more people are also experiencing burnout.

 

The constant pressure to succeed can lead to sleep disturbances, irritability, and an inability to relax, making it difficult to find joy or fulfillment in daily life. Chronic stress affects family dynamics, leading to tension, conflict, and breakdowns in communication, while parents who are overworked and stressed may have less time and emotional energy for their children, leading to neglect or strained relationships. Children may also feel the pressure to succeed and achieve, leading to stress and anxiety from a young age.

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The economic psychological cancer fosters a culture of individualism and competition, which can significantly undermine relationships and social connections. When individuals begin to view others primarily as competitors or obstacles to their own success, it becomes increasingly difficult to form meaningful and supportive relationships. The heavy emphasis on self-sufficiency and personal achievement can create an environment where trust and empathy are lacking in relationships. People may become more inclined to prioritize their own success over the well-being of others, which can lead to selfish behaviors and a lack of mutual support. This erosion of trust causes relationships to feel more transactional, lacking the genuine care and support that are essential for deep, meaningful connections.

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Furthermore, the relentless focus on individual achievement can lead to social isolation, as people often devote more time to working and less time to engaging in social activities or building connections within their communities. This increasing isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which are strongly linked to depression and other mental health issues (Leigh-Hunt et al., 2017). The combined effects of diminished trust, social isolation, and a competitive mindset create a social environment where individuals may struggle to find the support and connection necessary for their emotional well-being, thus perpetuating a cycle of loneliness and psychological distress.

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This context contributes to financial strain and economic insecurity by promoting consumerism, materialism, and the pursuit of wealth. The belief that happiness and success are tied to material possessions drives individuals and families to prioritize consumption, often beyond their means. Many individuals and families go into debt to maintain a certain lifestyle, leading to financial stress and insecurity. The burden of debt creates a constant sense of fear and anxiety, as individuals worry about their ability to make ends meet, pay bills, or save for the future (Jenkins, Fitch, Hurlston, Walker, 2009). Financial strain is a leading cause of marital conflict and divorce. Couples may argue about money, blame each other for financial problems, or feel resentment over differing spending priorities.

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Economic insecurity affects children's well-being, resulting in stress, anxiety, and a lack of stability in the home (Zhang et al., 2022). The effects of economic psychological cancer are not limited to one generation; they can be passed down to future generations, perpetuating harm and dysfunction. Parents who internalize economic codes transmit these values to their children, teaching them that success is measured by wealth, status, and achievement. Children grow up feeling pressured to meet these expectations. Economic stress and insecurity thus create a cycle of dysfunction, where children grow up in environments characterized by tension, fear, conflict, and instability. This environment can affect children's mental health, self-esteem, and ability to form healthy relationships, perpetuating the cycle of harm.

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Consequently, economic psychological cancer not only impacts individuals and families on a personal level but also has far-reaching implications for community and social well-being as a whole. The relentless pressure to succeed, which is deeply ingrained in this economic mindset, when combined with the pervasive issues of economic insecurity and social isolation, often results in profound emotional and psychological trauma. The constant burden of stress, coupled with the fear of failure and the absence of a reliable support system, can generate a pervasive sense of powerlessness and despair, affecting not only the mental health of individuals but also eroding the overall fabric of society.

 

PSYCHOLOGICAL CANCER

The metaphor of internal economic codes as a "psychological cancer" captures how these deeply ingrained beliefs and values insidiously harm an individual's mental health, much like cancer affects the body. This metaphor suggests that these codes, once internalized, grow and spread, undermining psychological well-being from within. Societies have dominant cultural narratives that define success, worth, and identity. In many capitalist societies, success is equated with wealth, status, and material possessions. From a young age, individuals are exposed to these cultural norms through media, education, and social interactions. Over time, these norms become internalized as personal beliefs and values.

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The economic environment in which individuals live plays a crucial role in shaping their beliefs and values. In a neoliberal economic system (Crouch, 2017), which emphasizes market-driven solutions, individual responsibility, and minimal state intervention, people are often led to believe that they are solely responsible for their economic success or failure. This belief is reinforced by policies that prioritize economic growth and efficiency over social welfare and equity.

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Families, schools, and peer groups are critical in socializing individuals into accepting and internalizing societal norms (Parsons, 2017). Parents may impart beliefs about the importance of hard work, self-sufficiency, and competition, while schools often reward academic and extracurricular achievements that align with societal definitions of success. Peer pressure also reinforce the desire to conform to societal expectations, leading individuals to adopt similar beliefs and values. Furthermore, media and advertising play a significant role in promoting and perpetuating internal economic codes. Advertisements equate happiness and success with material possessions, while media portrayals of successful individuals typically emphasize wealth, power, and social status; these messages cause individuals to internalize the idea that their worth is determined by what they own or how they are perceived by others (Neve, Trivedi, 2020).

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As mentioned earlier, these internal economic codes become a psychological cancer because they have pervasive, harmful effects on mental health and well-being. Just as cancer spreads undetected through the body, internal economic codes operate subtly within the mind. They shape an individual's thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, without conscious awareness. These codes influence how people see themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world, gradually infiltrating their sense of identity and self-worth. Cancer alters the normal functioning of cells, leading to abnormal growth. Similarly, internal economic codes distort an individual's perception of reality. They create unrealistic expectations and pressures, such as the belief that one's worth is tied to economic success or productivity. These distortions lead individuals to prioritize work, wealth, and status over more fulfilling and meaningful aspects of life, such as relationships, personal growth, and community.

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Just as cancer cells can cause harm to the body, internal economic codes can lead to self-destructive behaviors. People may engage in harmful behaviors, such as overworking, neglecting self-care, or engaging in compulsive consumption, in an attempt to live up to these internalized standards. Cancer attacks the body's ability to function healthily. In the same way, internal economic codes undermine a person's ability to live authentically and find meaning. By internalizing these codes, individuals lose touch with their true selves, pursuing goals and aspirations that do not align with their values or desires. This disconnection from one's authentic self results in a sense of emptiness, purposelessness, and existential despair.

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Like cancer that can spread to other parts of the body, internal economic codes contribute to the perpetuation of social injustices. When individuals internalize beliefs about competition, self-sufficiency, and meritocracy, they may be less likely to recognize or challenge systemic inequalities. This internalization can lead to the acceptance of social hierarchies, discrimination, and exploitation, as people come to see these conditions as natural or deserved.

 

 

FAILURE TO ADDRESS PSYCHOLOGICAL CANCER IN PSYCHOTHERAPY

Psychotherapists, while skilled in addressing individual psychological issues and promoting mental health, face challenges in addressing the broader societal and cultural traps of consumerism, materialism, and the economic war metaphor. Psychotherapy traditionally focuses on the individual’s internal experiences, emotions, and behaviors. While this approach is effective for treating personal psychological distress, it never addresses the societal and cultural factors contributing to that distress. Therapy aims to help individuals cope with their immediate problems, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. These problems are frequently treated within the context of the individual's personal life, without necessarily exploring the broader societal influences. The focus is on helping the individual manage symptoms rather than challenging the societal structures that may be contributing to those symptoms.

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Psychotherapy often does not incorporate a critical analysis of societal factors such as consumerism, capitalism, or economic inequality, and the psychological cancer that can result from these influences. Without this analysis, therapists may not fully recognize how these factors contribute to clients' feelings of dissatisfaction, emptiness, guilt, or other mental and physical issues. This can limit the therapist’s ability to address the root causes of the client’s distress, leading to a focus on symptom management rather than internal and external systemic change.

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Consumerism and materialism are deeply ingrained in modern society and considered normal and acceptable. Psychotherapists, like their clients, live within this cultural context and unconsciously accept or perpetuate these norms. Therapists, as members of society, are influenced by consumer culture. This can result in a lack of awareness or critical perspective on how consumerism impacts mental health. Without a critical understanding of these cultural influences, therapists may not recognize the extent to which consumerism contributes to their clients' distress and illness. McWilliams (2005) observes that psychotherapy is undergoing significant changes due to the influence of descriptive psychiatric diagnosis, the influence of powerful corporate entities, and criticism from leading academic psychologists. These forces are pushing psychotherapy towards conforming to societal norms, risking its role as a critical and reflective participant within the culture.

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Therapy, in this context, reinforces cultural norms by focusing on helping clients adapt to societal expectations rather than questioning those expectations. A therapist might help a client cope with work-related stress without addressing the broader issue of a consumer-driven culture that values productivity and consumption over well-being.

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By focusing on personal responsibility, therapy may place the onus on individuals to change their behavior, without recognizing the limitations imposed by societal and economic structures. Clients therefore feel responsible for their inability to find happiness or fulfillment, even when these feelings are influenced by systemic issues like consumerism and its resulting alienation, which remain unconscious. Emphasizing personal responsibility inadvertently lead to blaming individuals for their problems, rather than acknowledging the role of external factors. This approach reinforces feelings of guilt or inadequacy, making it difficult for clients to see how socio-economic pressures contribute to their suffering.

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Clients typically seek therapy for specific issues, such as managing anxiety, improving relationships, or coping with stress. These goals are immediate and personal, focusing on symptom relief rather than broader societal analysis. Faced with these problems, therapists are trained to prioritize these goals to meet the client's needs and expectations, without necessarily addressing the underlying societal factors. In a fast-paced, consumer-driven society, there is a desire for quick fixes or immediate relief. Clients seek therapy for fast solutions to their problems, rather than engaging in the deeper, more time-consuming work of exploring societal influences and challenging cultural norms. This desire for quick solutions limit the scope of therapy to short-term symptom management.

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While therapy can help individuals develop coping strategies and personal insights, it may not be sufficient to address the broader societal forces that contribute to distress. Systemic change also requires collective action, policy change, and societal transformation, which are beyond the reach of individual therapy.

There is a potential for psychotherapy to focus on individual symptom management without addressing the underlying systemic and structural issues that contribute to mental health problems. This can indeed result in maintaining patients in a cycle of managing symptoms rather than achieving lasting change, which raises questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of such therapeutic practices.

 

POLICIES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH?

From a critical perspective, it can be suggested that the interests of the dominant classes—those who hold economic, political, and social power—often conflict with the interests of the broader population, particularly when it comes to promoting systemic change that could reduce inequality, challenge consumerism, or address environmental degradation.

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Dominant classes benefit from the existing social, economic, and political structures, which can create resistance to change. These structures maintain their power, wealth, and influence, which they may perceive as being threatened by transformative changes. The dominant economic classes, including large corporations and wealthy individuals, benefit, as we all know, from consumerism and economic inequality. Consumer culture drives demand for goods and services, leading to profits for businesses. Efforts to reduce consumption, promote sustainability, or address economic inequality may be seen as threats to these profits. As a result, dominant economic players may resist changes that could disrupt their business models or reduce their wealth.

Those with economic power often wield considerable political influence, which they strategically use to shape policies and regulations in ways that serve their interests. This substantial influence frequently results in policies that emphasize economic growth, deregulation, and market freedom, often at the expense of social equity, environmental protection, or public health. Through mechanisms such as political lobbying, substantial campaign contributions, and various other forms of influence, the dominant classes can significantly shape the political agenda, thereby making it challenging to implement systemic changes that counter their interests.

 

Additionally, the dominant classes exert their power by shaping cultural norms and values through various channels, including media, education, and other cultural institutions. By consistently promoting values like consumerism, individualism, and competition, they not only reinforce the existing status quo but also actively discourage the emergence of alternative perspectives. This pervasive cultural influence makes it difficult for individuals to envision or advocate for alternative ways of living that prioritize community, sustainability, and overall well-being, thus maintaining a cycle that privileges the interests of the economically powerful.

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Dominant classes often control the flow of information and the narratives that shape public understanding and opinion (Van Dijk, 1995; Gutsche, 2015). By controlling the narrative, they can influence how people perceive societal issues and potential solutions. The media, which is often owned or influenced by the dominant classes, plays a significant role in shaping public opinion. Media outlets may prioritize stories that align with the interests of the dominant classes, while downplaying or ignoring issues that challenge those interests. This selective coverage create a biased understanding of societal issues, making it difficult for the public to see the need for systemic change. Dominant classes use framing and messaging to shape how issues are understood. For example, economic growth is often framed as an unquestionable good, while social welfare programs are framed as burdensome or inefficient. By framing issues in ways that support their interests, dominant classes can influence public opinion and policy decisions, making it difficult to promote alternative perspectives.

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Moreover, the spread of misinformation and disinformation create confusion and division, making it difficult to build consensus around the need for change. By sowing doubt about issues such as climate change, social inequality, or the impact of consumerism, dominant classes undermine efforts to address these issues.

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The dissonance between the societal rhetoric of promoting health and well-being and the reality of systemic structures that often undermine these very goals is apparent. While society ostensibly values and promotes health—through public health campaigns, mental health awareness, and wellness initiatives—there are deeper systemic and structural forces at play that seem to contradict these ideals. This dissonance arises from the conflict between economic and power interests and the genuine well-being of individuals and communities.

 

WE NEED TO TREAT INTERNAL ECONOMIC CODES

Our approach implies that beyond the visible societal and economic structures, there are deeply ingrained internalized beliefs, values, and assumptions—these "internal economic codes"—that influence how individuals think, feel, and behave within the context of the broader economic order. These internal codes shape people's understanding of success, worth, and identity, often in ways that align with and reinforce existing economic and power structures.

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Internal economic codes refer to the mental frameworks and narratives individuals internalize from their surrounding economic and cultural environment. These codes are shaped by societal messages about success, value, productivity, and self-worth, often derived from the dominant economic ideology—such as neoliberalism—that emphasizes individualism, competition, and market-driven values. In many societies, particularly those influenced by neoliberal ideologies, there is a strong emphasis on individual achievement, self-sufficiency, and personal responsibility. People are often encouraged to see themselves as independent agents, solely responsible for their success or failure. This perspective can result in self-blame and feelings of inadequacy when individuals face economic hardships or fail to meet societal expectations.

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In an economic system that values competition, individuals are encouraged to constantly compare themselves to others. Success is often defined relative to the achievements of others, leading to a zero-sum mentality where one's gain is another's loss. This can foster envy, rivalry, and a sense of isolation, as people see others as threats rather than collaborators.

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Internal economic codes have a profound impact on mental health. By internalizing these codes, individuals may experience a range of negative emotions and behaviors, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. These codes also lead to a disconnection from one's authentic self, as people strive to conform to external expectations rather than pursuing their true passions and values.

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To "treat" internal economic codes, therapy must go beyond symptom management to explore and challenge the underlying beliefs and assumptions that individuals have internalized. Therapy can provide a space for individuals to critically reflect on the economic beliefs and values they have internalized. By examining where these beliefs come from, how they impact their lives, and whether they truly align with their values, individuals can gain greater self-awareness and insight. Therapists can facilitate this process by asking probing questions and encouraging clients to question societal norms and expectations.

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Part of treating internal economic codes involves helping individuals develop new, healthier narratives about success, worth, and identity. This might include redefining success in terms of personal growth, relationships, and well-being rather than material achievement or economic status. By cultivating alternative narratives, individuals can begin to see themselves and their lives in new, more empowering ways. Therapy can also emphasize the importance of community, connection, and mutual support. By recognizing that well-being is not just an individual pursuit but a collective one, individuals can begin to shift from a competitive, individualistic mindset to one that values collaboration, empathy, and solidarity. Group therapy, community-based interventions, and peer support networks can all play a role in fostering these connections.

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Finally, therapy can empower individuals to take action against the societal conditions that contribute to their distress. This might involve advocating for social justice, engaging in activism, or working towards systemic change. By connecting personal struggles with broader social issues, individuals can find meaning and purpose in working towards a more just and equitable world.

 

REFERENCES

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Fromm, E. (2010/1991). The Pathology of Normalcy. Riverdale, NY: AMHF.

Gutsche, R. E., Jr. (2015). Media control: News as an institution of power and social control. Bloomsbury Academic.

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Leigh-Hunt, N., Bagguley, D., Bash, K., Turner, V., Turnbull, S., Valtorta, N., & Caan, W. (2017). An overview of systematic reviews on the public health consequences of social isolation and loneliness. Public Health, 152, 157-171.

McWilliams, N. (2005). Preserving Our Humanity as Therapists. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42(2), 139–151.

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Van Dijk, T. A. (1995). Power and the news media. In Political communication and action. University of Amsterdam. Retrieved from: https://www.academia.edu/download/43877219/Power_and_the_news_media_CRUCIAL.pdf

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