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Wrecked by Success? Not to Worry.
Harrison J Kell1, Kira O McCabe2, David Lubinski3
1Center for Education and Career Development, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey.
Summary
Outstanding career success does not harm well-being. This study found exceptionally successful individuals were as healthy or healthier psychologically and physically than their peers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Career Development
Background:
- The "wrecked-by-success" hypothesis suggests high achievement negatively impacts well-being.
- This idea is prevalent in popular culture and academic discourse.
- Previous research has not empirically validated this hypothesis in high-achievers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test the "wrecked-by-success" hypothesis.
- To investigate the relationship between exceptional occupational success and psychological, interpersonal, and physical health.
- To examine if high achievement comes at a cost to well-being.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Compared 1,826 high-potential individuals with outstanding careers to peers with typical careers on well-being, flourishing, self-evaluations, and medical health.
- Study 2: Replicated Study 1 with 496 elite STEM doctoral students tracked over 25 years.
- Utilized established measures of psychological well-being, life satisfaction, and medical status.
Main Results:
- Individuals with outstanding careers were not negatively impacted.
- Exceptionally successful individuals showed similar or better psychological and physical health outcomes compared to peers.
- No evidence of medical frailty, psychological maladjustment, or compromised relationships in high-achievers.
Conclusions:
- The "wrecked-by-success" hypothesis is not supported by empirical evidence.
- Exceptional career success is not associated with detrimental effects on well-being.
- High achievement may be compatible with, or even conducive to, overall health and life satisfaction.
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