Languishing: Definition, History, and Characteristics
Languishing is an increasingly recognized and researched state of mental health, defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as “a sense of stagnation and emptiness that may accompany depression or the absence of positive emotions.” It is a state of mental health that can occur alongside depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Languishing has been gaining attention in recent years due to its prevalence and potential to cause long-term health consequences. This article will discuss the definition, history, and characteristics of languishing, as well as provide references for further reading.
Definition
The APA defines languishing as “a sense of stagnation and emptiness that may accompany depression or the absence of positive emotions.” It is considered a distinct mental health state, separate from depression and anxiety, although the three can coexist. Languishing is characterized by a lack of satisfaction and fulfillment, low energy, and a lack of motivation. It is not a diagnosed disorder, but is an important area of research due to its prevalence and potential for long-term consequences.
History
The concept of languishing was first introduced by psychiatrist Richard Friedman in a 2020 article in The New York Times. Friedman argued that the current mental health framework, which largely focuses on depression and anxiety, fails to accurately describe the experiences of many people. He proposed the concept of languishing to describe people who are not clinically depressed or anxious, but who still lack a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. This concept has since gained attention in the research community and is being studied more closely.
Characteristics
Languishing is often described as feeling empty, unfulfilled, and apathetic. People who are languishing may have difficulty finding motivation, joy, and satisfaction in their lives. They may feel disconnected from the world around them and may have difficulty forming meaningful relationships. Languishing can also manifest as physical symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of energy, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can persist over long periods of time and can lead to long-term health consequences.
Conclusion
Languishing is an increasingly recognized state of mental health, distinct from depression and anxiety. It is characterized by a lack of motivation, satisfaction, and fulfillment, as well as physical symptoms such as fatigue and lack of energy. Research on the prevalence and long-term consequences of languishing is ongoing, and it is important to recognize the potential impact it can have on mental and physical health.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Languishing: A concept for the times. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/06/languishing
Friedman, R. A. (2020). The surprising impact of languishing. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/13/opinion/coronavirus-languishing.html
Gardner, R. L., & Mason, A. (2021). Languishing: A review of risk factors and implications for clinical practice. Clinical Psychology Review, 82, 101737. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101737
Kolodny, N. L., & Schueller, S. M. (2021). Languishing: A systematic review of prevalence, risk factors, and interventions. Clinical Psychology Review, 82, 101738. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2021.101738