Chet Hanks ‘feeling worthless’ as a child ‘could’ve eroded his ambition’, says psychologist
EXCLUSIVE: Reality TV fans get to know a group of celebrities on a whole new level on Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets this July. A psychologist delves deeper into one participant, Chet Hanks, admission of ‘growing up feeling worthless’ and exclusively tells Reality Tidbit all about it. LA-based psychologist Sandra Kushnir, LMFT, gives her take […]
EXCLUSIVE: Reality TV fans get to know a group of celebrities on a whole new level on Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets this July. A psychologist delves deeper into one participant, Chet Hanks, admission of ‘growing up feeling worthless’ and exclusively tells Reality Tidbit all about it.
LA-based psychologist Sandra Kushnir, LMFT, gives her take on Tom Hanks’ son’s comments while appearing on a new MTV show this summer. Chet Hanks shows his vulnerable side, as do many more of the celebrities, during the season. As they all get into their feels, episode 1 kicks off with an intense holotropic breathwork session.
Chet Hanks opens up about living in dad Tom’s shadow
During Villa of Secrets’ first episode, the group is given a task where they have to take a trip down memory lane and talk about their childhoods.
After a fight erupts between Macy Gray and Tyler Posey, Chet decides to take control of the conversation: “People think that being Tom Hanks’ son, like I would grow up feeling like I was the sh**. I actually grew up feeling completely f***ing worthless.”
Chet adds: “People treated me like ‘you must think you’re better than me’ when I didn’t. I just wanted to be friends with everybody and just be treated normally like everybody else. But what am I supposed to do? Walk through the doors and be all meek and timid? That was a mind f*** for me to deal with.”
He explains how people thought he was “arrogant” and that he “internalized all that negativity.”
“It was a battle for me, mentally and emotionally…”
Psychologist weighs in on Chet’s comments
As MTV star Chet explains some aspects of his childhood, psychologist Sandra breaks down what the dynamic could’ve been like for him.
She told us: “The relationship between these children and their famous parents can be complex. Many of them feel overshadowed by their parents’ fame and success, leading to a perpetual sense of living in the shadows. The social pressure from others and the media to live up to their parents’ legacy can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of helplessness and inadequacy.”
Chet is an actor and musician in his own right, but Sandra adds how his upbringing could’ve led to his ambition totally eroding.
She said: “Children of celebrities and wealthy individuals often struggle with feelings of worthlessness despite their privileged upbringing. Being handed large amounts of money and privilege can rob them of the existential need to accomplish things on their own. This lack of personal achievement can erode their ambition and drive, leading to feelings of inadequacy and purposelessness.”
Sandra adds how the feelings Chet expresses on Surreal Life “are not uncommon among children of Hollywood stars.”
She adds: “They often internalize the judgment and expectations of the public, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for their mental health and personal development.”
Sandra is the Founder and CEO of Meridian Counseling.
WATCH SURREAL LIFE: VILLA OF SECRETS TUESDAYS AT 9 PM ON MTV