• A global study found that young adults (18-29) are struggling with well-being, showing a departure from the traditional U-shaped happiness curve across the lifespan.
• The United States shows the most significant gap in flourishing between young adults and older adults (60-69), indicating a more pronounced issue in wealthier nations.
• The study emphasizes the importance of close relationships, spirituality/meaning, and prioritizing experiences over material wealth to improve well-being among young people.

The Global Flourishing Study, a comprehensive longitudinal study involving over 200,000 participants across 22 countries and Hong Kong, has revealed a concerning trend: young adults aged 18-29 are experiencing lower levels of well-being compared to previous generations. This study challenges the long-held belief that happiness follows a U-shaped curve throughout life, with young adults and older adults typically reporting higher levels of satisfaction. The findings highlight struggles in various aspects of life, including mental and physical health, life satisfaction, purpose, and financial stability, with the gap being particularly pronounced in wealthy, industrialized nations like the United States. The study was conducted by researchers at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion, and Gallup.

• What: A global study indicates that young adults are experiencing lower levels of well-being compared to previous generations, challenging the traditional U-shaped happiness curve.
• Who: Researchers at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program, Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion, and Gallup conducted the study. Over 200,000 participants from 22 countries and Hong Kong were involved.
• When: Data was primarily collected in 2023, with findings released in a series of publications on Wednesday in the journal Nature Mental Health.
• Where: The study encompassed 22 countries and Hong Kong, 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's findings present a significant challenge to conventional understandings of happiness and well-being across the lifespan. The decline in flourishing among young adults, particularly in wealthy nations, suggests a complex interplay of factors including societal pressures, economic anxieties, and a potential crisis of meaning. The study's emphasis on close relationships and spiritual well-being underscores the importance of social connections and purpose in life, offering potential avenues for addressing the observed decline. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term implications of this trend and to develop effective interventions to support the well-being of young people.

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The Global Flourishing Study paints a concerning picture of declining well-being among young adults worldwide, challenging established notions of happiness across the lifespan. The findings highlight the need for a greater focus on supporting the mental and physical health, social connections, and sense of purpose among young people, particularly in wealthy, industrialized nations. While the study provides valuable insights, further research is crucial to understanding the long-term implications of this trend and to develop effective strategies for fostering well-being among future generations. The study suggests that material wealth alone isn't enough and points to the importance of community, meaning and purpose.