Renowned Social Psychologist and Author Visits The John Cooper School

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- On November 19 and 20, Dr. Jean Twenge, a renowned psychologist and author, visited The John Cooper School to present insights from her latest book, Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents and What They Mean for America’s Future. Dr. Twenge’s engaging talk provided valuable perspectives on the generational shifts that are shaping today's youth, offering parents, educators, and the broader Cooper community an opportunity to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing modern families.

The parent presentation, held in the Glenn Performing Arts Center, drew a strong turnout of Cooper parents who were eager to hear Dr. Twenge’s analysis of how technological advances, economic pressures, and changing social norms impact the attitudes, values, and behaviors of different generations. She explored how these factors have shaped the experiences of Generation Z and Millennials, providing actionable insights for parents seeking to connect with and support their children in an increasingly complex world.

In addition to the presentation with parents, Dr. Twenge also presented to our Middle School and Upper School students and shared her insights with Cooper faculty and staff.

“Our students were very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Twenge today. Her research and insights were thought-provoking and support the ongoing work we do with our students as part of our commitment to helping them develop healthy habits of social-emotional wellness.” said Elisa Inman, Head of Middle School.

Dr. Twenge’s research highlights key differences between generations, offering practical advice on how parents can foster better communication with their children and help them navigate the pressures of modern life. She emphasizes the importance of understanding these generational shifts in order to build stronger relationships and support the mental and emotional well-being of today’s youth.

“We were thrilled to host Dr. Twenge and offer our parent community the opportunity to engage with one of the leading experts in the field of generational studies,” said Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School. “Her insights are incredibly relevant to the challenges we face as parents and educators in an ever-evolving world. Understanding the differences between generations helps us communicate more effectively and support our children in their personal and academic growth.” Dr. Twenge’s visit underscores The John Cooper School’s ongoing commitment to providing its community with opportunities for growth and learning, particularly in the areas of education, psychology, and adolescent development. The event was an important step in fostering meaningful dialogue between parents, educators, and experts to better understand and support the next generation.

The John Cooper School is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory day school. The School's mission is to provide a challenging education in a caring environment to a diverse group of select students, enabling them to become critical and creative thinkers, effective communicators, responsible citizens and leaders, and lifelong learners.