Psychological Effects of Debt is a 2-hour online continuing education (CE) course that explores the reasons people go into debt and the psychological effects it causes.

This course starts by describing the factors that contribute to the normalization of debt in America, from unfair corporate practices to negative childhood experiences, education levels, and compensatory consumption. We then discuss early indicators of risk taking among young children and how the parent-child relationship is correlated with long term financial outcomes. If children do not learn self-control when they are young, they may be more susceptible to impulse spending or compulsive shopping. We study the four types of transformative expectations that materialistic people expect when making purchases.

We review several research studies that demonstrate the ways in which debt affects mental health, health behaviors, and physical health. We also describe how financial behaviors, responsibilities, and debt affect relationships with spouses, partners, and children. Finally, we examine the ways to combat debt and the psychological effects it causes. Included are a series of exercises to support clients to find their way out of debt, improve mental health, and regain a more enjoyable and fulfilling life.

Course #21-55 | 2022 | 36 pages | 15 posttest questions