Gen Z are Lazy and Stubborn – What Science Has to Say About That
There is much social contention between Gen Z and other generations. Labelled derisively as ‘snowflakes,’ they are not often taken seriously.
But what if we told you that the reason isn’t simply that they don’t work hard enough? In fact, they might be trying the best they can, but even then, they struggle to meet their own expectations and goals.
The Underlying Cause Might Not Be What You Think
Rather than being simply lazy or stubborn, what they may be experiencing is executive function deficit, known more commonly as executive dysfunction disorder. It is a behavioral symptom that disrupts regulation of emotion, thoughts and actions. These reduced executive functions can impact their working memory, inhibition control, ability to switch tasks, decision making, time management and problem solving.
Executive dysfunction is not something that is diagnosed on its own, but it is often linked to conditions that affect the brain, like addiction, ADHD, autism, depression, OCD and schizophrenia.
Even COVID-19 has an effect. A 2023 study found that ‘post COVID-19 condition’ has long term cognitive symptoms, which include executive dysfunction and memory issues.
Diving Deeper into Executive Dysfunction
Executive dysfunction is often perceived as ‘just an autism thing.’ Whilst it is highly common among those with autism and other neurological disorders such as ADHD, these are just some of the possible underlying causes.
You might wonder why Gen Z struggle more with stress and depression than previous generations. But this may be down to their heightened awareness of mental health and the challenges posed by technology. Their work, study and social life are often dependent on technology, meaning that they are always simultaneously ‘switched-on’ and isolated in a very fast-paced world. Because of this, Gen Z tends to have higher levels of depression, anxiety and ADHD, with a study in 2022, showing that 80% of Gen Z adults have been diagnosed with depression, while 90% have been diagnosed with anxiety.
There is often a spiral effect too, where executive dysfunction from anxiety or depression can cause smartphone addiction, and further worsening of mental health conditions. Technology can also put more pressure on those with ADHD or autism in a way that other generations did not experience.
Autism and ADHD
With an increasing number of people being diagnosed with ADHD and autism, the obvious question is why? It’s not necessarily that people have changed, but rather that we are now more aware of mental and neurological disorders. We are also learning more about ADHD and autism in women, which presents differently than men, also contributing to the increasing diagnosis rates. Women with autism are often misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder, bipolar or other mental health conditions.
Some Gen Zer's experienced a frustrating childhood, with adults brushing them off as troublesome or high maintenance – but this cycle needs to stop.
“In general, executive dysfunction can look like anything from poor grades, to school refusal to conflict over household chores. Outwardly it very much looks like your teen is being stubborn and lazy, but the underlying cause may be quite complex. A clinical psychologist can help unpack what's really going on," said Davis Lemke, of Clarity Health Care, Melbourne Psychology Clinics specialising in evidence-based therapy.
Under the umbrella of ‘neurodivergence,’ ADHD and autism are more common than you may think. 6% of children are estimated to have ADHD, and 1% to have autism. These conditions are often comorbid, where 50-70% of those with autism also have ADHD – also known as AuDHD. Those with ADHD and autism are also more likely to experience depression or anxiety.
How You Treat It
There are two main ways of treating executive dysfunction. For those with ADHD, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar, medication is an option. For any mental condition, or even stress, psychotherapy is the way to go.
When looking for treating psychologists Melbourne patients should do their research. Right now, there are innovative psychology clinics like Clarity Health that are revolutionising the approach to therapy, making it more flexible and accessible.
