Young people in European countries are facing greater mental health challenges compared to older generations.
According to a new study, young people worldwide are increasingly struggling to cope with life’s challenges and to function effectively in their daily lives.
Young people in Europe perform worse compared to those in other continents, with some European countries ranking among the lowest globally.
The study, conducted by Sapien Labs, a U.S.-based non-profit organization focused on global mental health, measured an index called the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) through online surveys carried out across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
This index assesses “mind health,” defined as the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical ability of individuals to function well in life, work, and relationships.
Since 2019, when MHQ measurement began, adults over the age of 55 have remained relatively stable, with scores around 100 points, a level considered normal for the population.
In contrast, each younger generation shows lower results. Individuals aged 18 to 34 average only 36 MHQ points, while 41% report significant mental health challenges.
Italy ranks as the highest-performing European country, placing 20th out of 84 countries included in the study.
Finland ranks 40th, Portugal and Spain 46th, Belgium 52nd, and France 58th.
The European countries with the weakest results are Ireland (70), Germany (71), and the United Kingdom (81).
The study identifies four main factors affecting young people’s mental health: family relationships, spirituality, smartphone use, and the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Weak family relationships make young people nearly four times more likely to experience serious mental health problems compared to those with strong family ties.
Participants who reported a stronger sense of spirituality or connection to a higher power showed better outcomes. Countries where young people feel less spiritual include Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
The study also found that the earlier a person gets their first smartphone, the poorer their mental health outcomes later in life.
Globally, the average age at which Generation Z (18–24) received their first smartphone was 14.
According to the study, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased significantly over the past 15 years and is linked to 15–30% of the burden of mental health problems.
The authors emphasize that, despite increasing investments in research and mental health care worldwide, outcomes have not improved.
Young people in European countries are facing greater mental health challenges compared to older generations.
Young people in European countries are facing greater mental health challenges compared to older generations.
According to a new study, young people worldwide are increasingly struggling to cope with life’s challenges and to function effectively in their daily lives.
Young people in Europe perform worse compared to those in other continents, with some European countries ranking among the lowest globally.
The study, conducted by Sapien Labs, a U.S.-based non-profit organization focused on global mental health, measured an index called the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) through online surveys carried out across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
This index assesses “mind health,” defined as the emotional, social, cognitive, and physical ability of individuals to function well in life, work, and relationships.
Since 2019, when MHQ measurement began, adults over the age of 55 have remained relatively stable, with scores around 100 points, a level considered normal for the population.
In contrast, each younger generation shows lower results. Individuals aged 18 to 34 average only 36 MHQ points, while 41% report significant mental health challenges.
Italy ranks as the highest-performing European country, placing 20th out of 84 countries included in the study.
Finland ranks 40th, Portugal and Spain 46th, Belgium 52nd, and France 58th.
The European countries with the weakest results are Ireland (70), Germany (71), and the United Kingdom (81).
The study identifies four main factors affecting young people’s mental health: family relationships, spirituality, smartphone use, and the consumption of ultra-processed foods.
Weak family relationships make young people nearly four times more likely to experience serious mental health problems compared to those with strong family ties.
Participants who reported a stronger sense of spirituality or connection to a higher power showed better outcomes. Countries where young people feel less spiritual include Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
The study also found that the earlier a person gets their first smartphone, the poorer their mental health outcomes later in life.
Globally, the average age at which Generation Z (18–24) received their first smartphone was 14.
According to the study, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has increased significantly over the past 15 years and is linked to 15–30% of the burden of mental health problems.
The authors emphasize that, despite increasing investments in research and mental health care worldwide, outcomes have not improved.
