Why Fidgets Don’t Fix It

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Brandon takes a closer look at the booming fidget toy industry and asks a tough question: Are they helping or hurting? Often recommended for managing ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, fidget toys seem like an easy solution. But Brandon challenges that idea. He shares research and real-world stories suggesting these tools may do more harm than good. They can reinforce unhealthy patterns of instant gratification and offer only short-term relief. While they might feel good in the moment, fidget toys often become distractions. They can get in the way of real emotional and cognitive growth. Brandon encourages listeners to rethink these quick fixes. Instead, he advocates for building real skills, like frustration tolerance, self-soothing, and resilience. This episode is a call to move beyond trends and invest in what actually works. 

References

Rapport, M. D., et al. (2009). Hyperactivity in boys with ADHD: A deficit in behavioral inhibition, not a function of task difficulty. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 37(4), 521–534.

Stalvey, S., & Brasell, H. (2006). Using stress balls to focus the attention of sixth-grade learners. Journal of At-Risk Issues, 12(2), 7–16.

Favreau, M., et al. (2020). Fidget toys: Can they improve classroom attention? Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 35(3), 179–192.

Aldao, A., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Schweizer, S. (2010). Emotion-regulation strategies across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(2), 217–237.

Volkow, N. D., et al. (2009). Motivation deficit in ADHD is associated with dysfunction of the dopamine reward pathway. Molecular Psychiatry, 14(3), 342–353.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health services.