• A global study reveals that young adults (18-29) are experiencing lower levels of flourishing compared to older adults and previous generations.
• The United States exhibits the most significant disparity in flourishing between young and older adults among the countries surveyed.
• Religious attendance is consistently linked to higher levels of well-being across countries, even more so in wealthier nations.

A recent Global Flourishing Study, encompassing over 200,000 participants across 22 countries and Hong Kong, has revealed a concerning trend: young adults, particularly those aged 18-29, are experiencing diminished levels of flourishing compared to older generations. This decline spans multiple facets of well-being, including mental and physical health, happiness, sense of purpose, relationships, and financial security. The study challenges the previously held notion of a U-shaped happiness curve across the lifespan, indicating a flattening due to the decreased well-being of young adults.

• What: A global study reveals a decline in flourishing among young adults, particularly in wealthy nations. The study, called the Global Flourishing Study, challenges the U-shaped happiness curve, finding young adults are not as happy as they used to be.
• Who: Researchers at Harvard University's Human Flourishing Program, Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion, and Gallup collaborated on the study. Tyler J. VanderWeele (Harvard) and Byron R. Johnson (Baylor) led research efforts. Study participants included over 200,000 people across 22 countries and Hong Kong.
• When: Data was primarily collected in 2023. The first wave of results was published in a special collection of studies on April 30, 2025.
• Where: The study encompassed 22 countries and Hong Kong across six continents, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

The Global Flourishing Study provides compelling evidence that young adults are facing unprecedented challenges to their overall well-being. The flattening of the traditional U-shaped happiness curve signifies a significant shift in the age-related patterns of happiness. Several factors may contribute to this decline, including increased secularization, a lack of strong social relationships, and a diminished sense of meaning in life, particularly in wealthy nations. The study highlights the urgent need for interventions and policies aimed at supporting the well-being of young people and addressing the root causes of their unhappiness.

Instead of a U-shaped relationship, flourishing is flat until about age 50 and increases thereafter.

Are we sufficiently investing in the well-being of youth?

The Global Flourishing Study paints a concerning picture of the state of well-being among young adults worldwide, especially in wealthier nations like the United States. The study challenges long-held assumptions about happiness and age, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on supporting young people's mental, physical, and social well-being. Further research and targeted interventions are crucial to reverse this trend and ensure that future generations can thrive.