Gen Z, a Generation of Honesty: New Study Reveals Their Struggles with Mental Health and Outlook on Life

In a new study conducted by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation, insights into the emotional well-being and outlook on life of Generation Z, a diverse cohort born between 1997 and 2012, have emerged. While many members of Gen Z maintain optimism about their futures, the study reveals that they are more open about their mental health struggles, and only 47% of those polled reported feeling they are currently thriving in their lives.

This figure, labeled among the lowest across all generations in the United States today, is notably lower than the rate reported by millennials when they were of a similar age. Moreover, the study highlights that the only generation matching Gen Z in terms of this sentiment is the Silent Generation, comprised of Americans aged 71 and older, with only 45% indicating they are thriving.

Ryan Jenkins, a bestselling author with extensive knowledge of Gen Z and millennials, commented on the study’s findings, emphasizing that “Gen Z is struggling in many different facets.”

The study, based on responses from 3,000 young people, comes at a time when Gen Z has confronted numerous life-altering challenges that previous generations did not. These challenges include navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to months of quarantine during their formative years, impacting their education and limiting in-person social interactions. Other difficulties faced by Gen Z include entering the job market during a period of record-high inflation and experiencing unprecedented political divisiveness in the United States.

Gen Z respondents in the survey were asked to rate their current and future lives, defining “thriving” as high ratings in both categories. The study underscores the importance of considering Gen Z’s perspectives and the unique challenges they encounter when making decisions that affect public policy, learning environments, and workplaces.

Jayla Johnson, a 23-year-old working in brand partnerships in music and entertainment in New York City, is a Gen Z member who believes her generation is marked by its authenticity and honesty. Although she did not participate in the study, Johnson expressed her view that Gen Z is resilient and does not shy away from confronting life’s challenges. She suggests that facing obstacles is a universal experience, regardless of age, and emphasizes the importance of adapting and persevering.

While 76% of Gen Z respondents believe they have a promising future ahead, only 44% feel adequately prepared for it. Financial concerns play a significant role, with nearly 70% stating their hope for the future is to “make enough money to live comfortably,” and 64% seeing financial resources as a barrier to achieving their aspirations.

The study also highlights that Gen Z is more candid about their mental health compared to previous generations. When asked to describe their current mental health or well-being, only 15% of Gen Z respondents reported it as excellent. They have reported experiencing negative emotions, including stress, anxiety, and loneliness. This represents a substantial decline compared to a decade ago when 52% of millennials of a similar age reported excellent mental health.

Ryan Jenkins attributes Gen Z’s openness to their authenticity, noting that they are unafraid to express their feelings and struggles. He believes that technology and social media have provided Gen Z with a platform to have their voices heard and to express their opinions openly, making them a bold, confident, and socially conscious generation. Jenkins acknowledges that understanding the full impact of the pandemic on Gen Z will take several years.

Jayla Johnson echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Gen Z is a generation of change. She believes that their true definition is still evolving, and their impact on society is ongoing.

In conclusion, Gen Z, marked by their resilience and honesty, faces challenges unique to their generation while remaining optimistic about the future. Their candidness about mental health is reshaping conversations and attitudes towards well-being.