The Wellness Syndrome

by Carl Cederström and Andre Spicer
The Wellness Syndrome cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Psychology and Human Behavior
Technical
  • ID: 3156
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9780745688930
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published: 2015-02-04
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Wellness Syndrome,' Carl Cederström and André Spicer explore the dark side of our obsession with health and happiness. They argue that the pressure to maximize wellness has backfired, leading to guilt, anxiety, and a retreat from social engagement. The book delves into the lives of health enthusiasts, corporate athletes, and self-trackers, revealing a world where personal well-being has become a moral imperative. This insightful and humorous book critiques the cult of wellness, exposing how individual transformation has replaced social change and scientific evidence has been overshadowed by new-age delusions. It serves as a vital guide for anyone questioning the relentless quest for happiness and health.

Reviews
HR Review · 2025-10-17
thoughtful 3.50

The book is noted for its examination of the extremes of wellness and the social implications of forced happiness and productivity. It is seen as a thought-provoking exploration of modern societal pressures.

HR Review's take on 'The Wellness Syndrome' focuses on the book's exploration of the extremes of wellness culture. The reviewer appreciates how the book delves into the social implications of the pressure to be constantly happy and productive. They find the analysis insightful and relevant, particularly in highlighting how these pressures can lead to negative outcomes. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to the discussion on wellness and its impact on society. The reviewer suggests that it offers a unique perspective that challenges the reader to think critically about their own well-being practices.

Quick quotes

    The book examines the extremes of wellness and the resulting social implications that spring from forced happiness, near-constant productivity and the obsessive.

    It is a thought-provoking exploration of modern societal pressures.

    The analysis is insightful and relevant, particularly in highlighting how these pressures can lead to negative outcomes.

SAGE Journals · 2017-08-21
balanced 3.00

While the book is praised for its diagnosis of the wellness syndrome, it is also critiqued for missing some dimensions of wellness discourses. The review acknowledges the book's strengths but also points out its limitations.

The review in SAGE Journals offers a balanced perspective on 'The Wellness Syndrome'. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in diagnosing the wellness syndrome and its impact on society. However, they also point out that the book misses some dimensions of wellness discourses, which could have provided a more comprehensive analysis. The reviewer appreciates the book's contributions but suggests that it could have delved deeper into certain aspects. Overall, the review is positive but also constructive, highlighting areas where the book could have improved.

Quick quotes

    While there is much to applaud in this book, I believe the diagnosis of the Wellness Syndrome misses dimensions of the wellness discourses.

    The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the wellness syndrome and its impact on society.

    The review is positive but also constructive, highlighting areas where the book could have improved.

The Guardian · 2015-01-22
critical 4.00

The book offers a sharp critique of the wellness industry, highlighting its ironies and the pressures it places on individuals. It is praised for its witty and insightful analysis.

The Guardian's review of 'The Wellness Syndrome' is a biting critique of the modern obsession with wellness. The reviewer appreciates the book's sardonic tone and its ability to dissect the absurdities of the wellness culture. They argue that the book effectively shows how the relentless pursuit of wellness can be counterproductive and even harmful. The reviewer also highlights the book's humor, which makes the critique more accessible and engaging. Overall, the book is seen as a necessary and timely examination of a growing societal issue.

Quick quotes

    Carl Cederström and André Spicer's brilliantly sardonic anatomy of this 'wellness syndrome' concentrates on the ways in which the pressure to be well operates.

    The book is a lively and humorous diagnosis of the cult of wellness.

    It is an indispensable guide for everyone suspicious of our relentless quest to be happier and healthier.

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