Conflicts Between Personal Desire and Societal Expectation
Personal desire is an individual's innate urge to pursue pleasure or avoid pain. This may include materialistic possessions, social interactions, and interpersonal relationships. Societal expectation is a widely accepted norm or standard that society expects its members to abide by.
Sometimes these two conflicting forces can have detrimental effects on one's mental health and long-term decision making.
Impact on Mental Health
The conflict between personal desires and societal expectations can result in feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.
If an individual wishes to pursue a career path that contradicts their family's beliefs, they may experience internal conflicts about whether to follow their heart or adhere to parental pressures. The resultant stress can lead to emotional turmoil, which may manifest physically as headaches, insomnia, digestive issues, and other physical symptoms. In addition, this tension may lead to increased alcohol and drug usage, self-harming behaviors, and suicidal thoughts.
Long-Term Decision Making
Conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations can also affect long-term decisions such as marriage, parenthood, and career choices. Individuals who feel forced into situations they don't want may suffer from burnout, resentment, and regret.
Someone who chooses to marry for financial security rather than love may struggle with marital problems due to the lack of compatibility. Similarly, a person who follows a particular profession despite not enjoying it may end up feeling dissatisfied and unfulfilled. These negative impacts can be damaging to an individual's mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Personal Responsibility
It is essential to recognize that we are responsible for our decisions and actions.
Individuals must also understand that society has its norms and standards that guide behavior. It's crucial to strike a balance between personal desire and societal expectation while considering one's mental health and long-term goals. This involves introspection, communication, and compromise. By acknowledging these factors, individuals can make informed decisions that align with their values, interests, and beliefs without sacrificing their psychological well-being.
How do conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations affect long-term mental health and life decisions?
Conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations can have long-term effects on mental health and life choices. Such conflicts may arise from internal pressures caused by one's values, beliefs, and goals which are at odds with external expectations imposed by society.