Colossal Loss of Self-Confidence Disorder (CLoSeD)
is a phenomenon in social psychology first noticed in 2013 among US government workers subjected to sequestration, furloughs and frequent government shutdowns. CLoSeD is a passive psychological state induced by an irreconcileable mixture of stimuli in a non-confrontational setting. Communities affected by CLoSeD are operating in a rational environment, but under the influence of forces that appear to be biased, prejudicial and mean-spirited. Unlike natural disasters or military conflicts, the maladies afflicting targeted communities are not a result of random events, malice or premeditation, but rather of profound indifference. The term CLoSeD was coined by Moriarty in [3], a seminal 2013 study based on a non-randomized data from one division in a small government agency. Subsequent studies revealed that CLoSeD was present in various forms at different times and ages. The documented cases include Greek government workers in times of austerity, financial sector employees in Cyprus, mint employees in Zimbabwe, and many more.
The onset of CLoSeD is precipitated by arbitrary and inconsiderate actions of a higher bureaucratic entity acting in a manner that treats the affected community as expendables. The stimulus is strong enough to generate a noticeably uniform reaction, yet not so strong as to turn the lives of the members of the affected community completely upside down. The overt symptoms of CLoSeD include irritability, insomnia, and compulsive behavior.
Current studies by Brane [2], Mortimer [4] and writings of W [5] indicate the transitional character of CLoSeD and point to a two-year recovery period, frequently followed by significant spiritual growth, adoption of civic virtues, and social activism. It appears that the trauma associated with the CLoSeD state allows the affected communities to rebuild and regrow large portions of their collective psyche around principles of responsibility, mutual respect and compassion.
Early writings
CLoSeD was widely anticipated by social scientists, psychologists and philosophers. [citations needed]
A thorough analysis of conditions underlying CLoSeD (which preceded the first recognized case by more than a decade) was done by Bauman in [1].
Details of case studies
Moriarty opened the field with [3] and set the research agenda for others. [2] focused on brain scans and physiological aspects of CLoSeD. The paper gave the first indication of the passing nature of the affliction. Mortimer's study [4] followed two years later and provided evidence that CLoSeD might be overcome "with interest." [edit] Mortimer's study included 25 early cases studied by Moriarty and the rest of their colleagues, all from the 10th floor of a certain government building. It also proposed some theories on causes of CLoSeD. The leading one is based on careful measurements of time allocation that a typical government worker makes:
work 40%
sleep 40%
socializing 30%
family life 10%
shopping 9%
eating 11%
hobbies 9%
entertainment 7%
miscellaneous 12%
Total 167%
The total number indicates a great deal of overlap between many of these activities, and removal of work due to furlough or shutdown brings the total to 127%, still way above 100%. Consequently, not working does not seem to free any additional time while it compromises many concurrent activities. Furthermore, removal of the living wages further erodes quality of life. This alone explains most of the symptoms present at the onset of CLoSeD and its short-term effects.
In the long term, Mortimer points out, affected communities slowly absorb the lessons of CLoSeD and gear towards not letting it happen again. Interviewed workers indicate that by 2015 there was a 33% increase in collegiality, idea sharing and willingness to work together. Social activism outside the workplace was up by 42%, whether it was related to reproductive freedoms, endangered species, education, climate, or support for other issues of importance. Kindness, community building, reaching out to others have become everyday occurrences. Scans made by Brane [2] indicate that after two years, the mild trauma associated with CLoSeD clears informational pathways in the brain and lights up entire areas that were only glowing before. Studies on primates [reference] point out that these are brain locations associated with compassion, empathy and the need to share leadership with others. [edit] In his memoirs [5], W discusses his spiritual development, a newly acquired need for being involved and present and being "one with the world". While his case may not be representative it certainly is an indication that CLoSeD might be a chance to reassess one's priorities [edit].
Mortimer's [4] summary of the last round of interviews summons Shakespeare when he quotes: "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers." Indeed, tremendous professional challenges await but his subjects emboldened by strong interpersonal bonds look forward with confidence.
References
[1] Bauman, Liquid Modernity, Polity 2000
[2] Brane, Morphology of brain lesions among government workers, Open_Source.com, 2015
[3] Moriarty, Are they being screwed?: US government workers in the second decade of XXI century, Publish and Perish, 2013
[4] Mortimer, Strong and united - coming out of the long shadow of Congress, Government Studies, 2016 (free download)
[5] W, Memoirs of a former program officer, Everyman Library, 2015
