Core Insights - The article discusses the rising popularity of psychology in China, highlighting its transition from a niche field to a mainstream cultural phenomenon, with terms like "narcissistic personality disorder" and "highly sensitive person" becoming part of everyday language [2][26][40] - It explores the historical context of this "psychology boom," tracing its roots from the 1990s to significant events like the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, which catalyzed national recognition of psychological intervention [2][24] - The article emphasizes the dual nature of this trend, where psychology serves as both a tool for personal understanding and a potential means of social control, raising questions about its implications for individual responsibility and societal structures [9][32][34] Group 1: Historical Context - The "psychology boom" in China has evolved over the past two decades, with significant milestones including the introduction of psychological concepts in the 1990s and the formal recognition of psychological aid post-2008 earthquake [2][24][25] - The shift from collective to individualistic perspectives in Chinese society has facilitated the emergence of self-awareness and personal responsibility, leading to a greater acceptance of psychological discourse [2][18][23] Group 2: Cultural Implications - The article highlights how psychological language has permeated daily life, influencing how individuals articulate their experiences of pain and trauma, and shaping their understanding of relationships [7][30][40] - It raises concerns about the potential for psychological concepts to become tools for labeling and categorizing individuals, which may oversimplify complex human experiences [7][40][41] Group 3: Psychological Tools and Practices - The article discusses the emergence of self-help literature and community-based psychological practices, which have become popular among urban middle-class women seeking to navigate personal and familial challenges [15][25][36] - It critiques the notion of "self-care" as a means to return to caregiving roles, suggesting that it may not address the underlying structural issues faced by individuals, particularly women [16][17][34] Group 4: Future Directions - The article suggests that while psychology offers valuable insights, it should not replace broader social discussions or reforms, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to understanding and addressing pain [32][34][36] - It calls for a critical examination of how psychological language is used in societal contexts, particularly in educational and corporate settings, to avoid reducing complex issues to individual failings [32][34]