Study Reveals Gen Z's Happiness Levels Are Below Those of Mid-Life Crisis Individuals: Surge in Mental Health Struggles Among Youth

Shift in Happiness Trends: A new multi-country study reveals that young adults now report lower well-being compared to middle-aged individuals, reversing the previously established U-shaped happiness curve.

Mental Health Concerns: Rising mental health issues, particularly among young women, are contributing to this decline in well-being, with global data indicating that younger adults start with lower flourishing scores that do not improve until later in life.

U.S. Data Highlights: Recent polling shows only 39% of Gen Z adults consider themselves "thriving," a decrease from previous years, while middle and high school students report higher well-being.

Policy Debates Intensify: Discussions around the causes of declining youth mental health are growing, with factors such as social media, loneliness, and economic stress being highlighted by researchers and health officials.