• The Global Flourishing Study indicates that young adults (18-29) are experiencing lower levels of flourishing compared to previous generations, particularly in wealthier nations like the U.S.
• Traditional U-shaped happiness curve (high in youth and old age, low in middle age) is flattening, suggesting a shift in well-being patterns among younger populations.
• The study highlights that factors like strong social relationships, religious engagement, and a sense of purpose contribute significantly to overall flourishing, especially in wealthy countries.

The Global Flourishing Study, a large-scale longitudinal study involving over 200,000 participants across 22 countries and Hong Kong, has revealed a concerning trend: young adults are not flourishing as much as previous generations. Conducted by researchers from Harvard and Baylor University in partnership with Gallup and the Center for Open Science, the study assessed well-being across multiple dimensions, including happiness, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character, relationships, and financial stability. The findings indicate a significant decline in flourishing among young adults, particularly in developed nations, challenging the long-held belief in a U-shaped happiness curve across the lifespan.

• What: The Global Flourishing Study revealed a decline in flourishing among young adults aged 18-29, particularly in wealthy countries, across various dimensions like mental health, relationships, and purpose.
• Who: The study was conducted by researchers at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program and Baylor University’s Institute for Studies of Religion, in partnership with Gallup and the Center for Open Science. Participants included over 200,000 individuals from 22 countries and Hong Kong.
• When: Data was primarily collected by Gallup in 2023, with the study designed as a longitudinal study to follow participants over five years.
• 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 are significant because they challenge the traditional understanding of happiness across the lifespan and highlight the unique struggles faced by young adults today. The decline in flourishing among young people, especially in wealthy nations, raises concerns about the impact of factors like social media, economic pressures, and secularization. The study underscores the importance of investing in the well-being of youth and promoting strong social connections, a sense of purpose, and engagement in religious or civic life. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of this trend and to develop effective interventions to support the flourishing of young adults.

It is a pretty stark picture. Are we sufficiently investing in the well-being of youth?

Perhaps one of the more troubling features of this data is that we find when we aggregate across the 22 countries, flourishing tends to increase with age, so that the youngest individuals are reporting the lowest levels of flourishing.

The Global Flourishing Study provides valuable insights into the state of well-being around the world, revealing a concerning trend of declining flourishing among young adults. While the study highlights the challenges faced by this generation, it also underscores the importance of factors like social connections, purpose, and religious engagement in promoting overall well-being. As the longitudinal study continues, future research will shed more light on the long-term impacts of these trends and potential interventions to support the flourishing of young people. The study reinforces the need for policymakers and communities to prioritize investments in youth well-being and create environments that foster strong social connections and a sense of purpose.