JAKARTA - The world is currently facing a serious threat in the form of a crisis of mental toughness or resilience in the younger generation. Massive civilization disruption is considered the main trigger for increased psychological vulnerability among school teenagers.
In the scientific oration of the inauguration of the Professor at the University of PTIQ Jakarta which was held at UIII Depok (08/04/2026), Prof. Dr. Susanto, MA emphasized that this phenomenon is not merely an individual problem, but a systemic threat to the future of the nation.
Global Emergency of Adolescent Mental Health
Citing the latest data, Prof. Susanto explained the worrying facts about the mental condition of today's generation:
Global (WHO): 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 years experience mental problems. Indonesia: As many as 15.5 million people face mental health challenges (Ministry of Health 2024). Singapore: 16.2% of adolescents experience depression or anxiety. United States & United Kingdom: Prevalence rates reach 25% to 31%."Disruptive global changes create new psychological pressures. There is a paradox where technological progress is directly proportional to the increasing mental vulnerability," said Prof. Susanto in his speech entitled "Disruption of Civilization and Crisis of Resilience: Reconstruction of the Paradigm of Islamic Education Learning".
Shifting the Label "Strawberry Generation" to "Strawberry Mentality"
Until now, the term Strawberry Generation has often been used to label a certain age group that is considered fragile. However, Prof. Susanto offers a new, more accurate perspective: Strawberry Mentality.
According to him, this is not about age, but the psychological condition of the individual who:
Easy to give up and quickly frustrated. Less resistant to challenges and pressure. Tend to choose instant solutions and less independent."Even individuals with high academic achievements can have a strawberry mentality if they can't stand the pressure," he added.
The Bad Impact of the Resilience Crisis for the State
If it is not immediately intervened through the education system, Prof. Susanto identified a number of fatal impacts, including:
Decline in Human Capital Quality: Low ability to adapt to global changes. Burnout in the Workplace: Low engagement and productivity. Leadership Crisis: Weak capacity of leaders in facing uncertainty. Weakened Competitiveness: Nations will lag behind in global competition.As a solution, Prof. Susanto emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in Islamic education that places resilience as the main goal. The following are 6 strategies offered:
Strengthening Spiritual Values: Instilling gratitude, patience, trust, and sincerity. Challenge-Based Learning: Learning based on measurable challenges to train the mind. Problem-Based Learning: Improve adaptive skills and critical thinking. Productive Failure: Teach that failure is part of the learning process. Spiritual Reflection: Build self-awareness and regulate emotions. Evaluation Reform: Focus on appreciation of the process, not just the result of the value.The Importance of Gratitude and the Dangers of "Complaining"
Interestingly, Prof. Susanto quoted Robert Emmons' research (University of California) which proves that gratitude is directly related to academic success and health.
On the other hand, a study from Stanford University shows that listening to complaints for 30 minutes can damage the hippocampus - the part of the brain that regulates memory and emotions.
Through this approach, it is hoped that there will be a change from merely educational output to a real impact:
Medium Term (Outcome): The birth of individuals with an antifragile mindset (resilient under pressure). Long Term (Impact): The realization of a resilient society and the birth of visionary leaders with integrity."Education is a project of civilization. Great generations are not born from calm waters, but from the impact of waves and storms," concluded Prof. Susanto closing his speech.
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