A recent study conducted by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation sheds light on the mental health landscape among Generation Z (Gen Z) individuals, raising questions about how this generation compares to its predecessors, particularly millennials, in terms of thriving and mental well-being.
The report, released on Thursday, delves into the experiences and perspectives of Gen Z individuals, a cohort aged 12-26, aiming to capture their voices on critical issues they confront. This extensive survey involved over 3,000 respondents and was conducted in April and May of this year.
The findings reveal a significant disparity in the levels of thriving between Gen Z and millennials at comparable stages in their lives. According to the study, a mere 47% of Gen Z Americans report thriving in their lives, a notably lower figure compared to millennials when they were the same age.
Notably, only 41% of Gen Z members aged 18 to 26 are thriving, in stark contrast to millennials at the same age, who were thriving at a rate of approximately 60%.
It’s essential to consider the nature of generational research, which is a subject of debate among scholars, with some contending that generation labels are problematic and lack scientific rigor. The Pew Research Center also pointed out earlier this year that what appears to be generational shifts may, in reality, be influenced by life stage and age, factors that can evolve over time.
Nonetheless, the Gallup-WFF study emphasizes that Gen Z’s mental health struggles appear distinct from those of previous generations at the same age. Gen Z members are more likely to report negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and loneliness compared to older generations. A mere 15% of Gen Z individuals aged 18-26 describe their current mental health or well-being as excellent, a stark contrast to a decade ago when 52% of millennials in the same age range claimed excellent mental health.
The study raises questions about the factors contributing to this substantial decrease. Researchers speculate that the overall decline in mental health over the past decade might play a role. Both millennials and Gen X individuals today report lower mental health ratings than they did ten years ago.
This study echoes previous research highlighting Gen Z’s mental health challenges. Earlier this year, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that poor mental health remained a substantial public health concern for adolescents, especially among teen girls. A 2018 report from the American Psychological Association also indicated that more Gen Z members perceived their mental health as fair or poor compared to other generations, though it suggested that this generation might be more attuned to recognizing mental health issues.
While the study paints a concerning picture of Gen Z’s mental health, it also highlights their enduring optimism, with over three-quarters of Gen Z individuals expressing confidence in their promising future. Despite this optimism, the study notes that less than half of Gen Z members feel adequately prepared for the future.
In addition to mental health, the survey explored various other topics, including Gen Z’s attitudes toward higher education, concerns about school gun violence, and their aspirations for financial stability.
This study serves as the first of many reports on this nationally representative group, with researchers planning to continue surveying Gen Z individuals to provide valuable data for policymakers.
