Shen Guangling, once an exceptional student accepted into Renmin University of China's doctoral program, has spent the past six years living reclusively in his Hunan hometown. Now in his 30s, he relies entirely on his parents' pensions for all expenses. His story recently gained significant attention in China after Hunan Urban Television documented his life in late June.
Guangling's father, Shen Xiaojie, shared that his son was once known locally as a "prodigy." After gaining admission to the prestigious PhD program, Guangling initially studied under a renowned professor. However, a change in supervisors led to significant difficulties during his thesis writing phase. Noticing his son's declining condition, Mr. Shen took him for a medical examination. "Doctors diagnosed him with an anxiety disorder," the father stated.
 |
Shen Xiaojie shares a father's helplessness regarding his son's situation. Photo: Tianjin news |
Following his diagnosis, Guangling dropped out of the program and returned home. His family helped him secure a position as an assistant manager at a company in Changsha, Hunan province. However, this job was short-lived. Mr. Shen recounted, "He complained that his colleagues had low education, so they didn't get along."
For the past six years, Guangling has largely cut off social ties. Despite living in the same house and even sharing a room with his father, they rarely speak. When Mr. Shen expressed his helplessness, Guangling remained indifferent, claiming he was "contributing to society" by writing proposals for local authorities. His mother, Han Xue, sitting beside her son, tearfully admitted the family's despair.
Media outlets, including Yangcheng Evening News and Fengmang Xinwen, commented on the incident, suggesting Guangling's tragedy highlights the intense psychological pressure within China's doctoral training, particularly in the social sciences. Doctoral candidates often face increasingly strict journal review standards, rigorous blind peer review, and prolonged self-doubt. When mental health deteriorates, the disillusionment from academic pursuits can lead individuals to retreat from reality as a self-protective mechanism.
The case has also sparked a two-sided debate on family education. Some express sympathy, urging parents to temper expectations to allow children to "land safely" (find their footing without immense pressure). Others view the situation as a consequence of a score-focused education model, where parents "helicopter parent" their children, potentially leaving academically gifted students ill-equipped with life skills and the resilience to face failure.
After discussions with reporters, Shen Guangling agreed to receive treatment at Hunan Provincial People's Hospital No. 2. He committed to "start anew so his parents can have a better life."
Bao Nhien (According to Jimu News/Tianjin news)
