In the classroom, researchers Robert Rudolf and Dirk Bethmann found an interesting paradox: rich countries had sadder children. What was causing the rift? They concluded, “this apparent paradox can largely be attributed to higher learning intensity in higher-income countries.” Rich countries tend to have a heavy achievement focus, and there’s a tradeoff with living in that kind of culture. The competition, and the need to measure up that follows, is making kids miserable.
