A new global report from Sapien Labs has revealed that young adults in Sub-Saharan Africa exhibit significantly stronger mental resilience compared to their Western counterparts, whose mental well-being has sharply declined since 2019. However, the study warns that Africa’s advantage may be at risk as digital and urban lifestyles spread across the continent.
The Mental State of the World 2024 Report, which analyzed over one million responses from 76 countries, found that mental health among 18- to 34-year-olds in high-income nations has plummeted, with no signs of recovery. This decline is attributed to weaker social connections, excessive screen time, poor diets, and environmental factors.
In contrast, African youth reported notably higher mental well-being scores, with Tanzania ranking first globally. Young adults in Nigeria and Kenya also performed well, with Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scores above 60 and between 50-60, respectively outpacing most Western nations. However, South African youth exhibited similar declines to the West, scoring between 30-40 MHQ.
According to the report, stronger family and community ties, later smartphone exposure, and more face-to-face interactions contribute to Africa’s relatively high mental resilience. But researchers caution that without proactive intervention, Africa’s youth could follow the same downward trend seen in the West.
A Widening Generational Mental Health Gap
The study highlights a growing global mental health divide between older and younger generations. While adults aged 55 and above averaged MHQ scores of 100 or higher, young adults under 35 averaged just 38 over 60 points lower. Notably, Nigeria ranked in the highest category (110+ MHQ), while Kenya followed with scores between 100-110.
Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, stressed the urgency of safeguarding Africa’s mental resilience as the continent undergoes rapid technological and economic shifts.
“Africa holds a unique advantage in youth mental health an asset that must be actively protected. As Africa’s young population takes on a greater role in the global economy, leaders must ensure that urbanization and digital adoption do not erode the mental strength that currently sets African youth apart,” she stated.
The report also warns that many young adults globally are merely enduring life, with 41% classified as “distressed or struggling” due to multiple symptoms of mental distress that impair daily functioning. Researchers argue that as older generations exit the workforce, societies could face lower productivity, increased absenteeism, heightened anxiety, and even greater societal unrest due to a generation struggling to cope with daily pressures.
Protecting Africa’s Mental Well-Being Amid Change
To prevent a decline in mental well-being among African youth, researchers recommend policies that limit early childhood exposure to smartphones, ultra-processed diets, and environmental toxins. They also stress the importance of preserving Africa’s strong social and cultural bonds, which have played a vital role in fostering resilience.
“For Africa, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge,” Thiagarajan noted. “Leaders and communities must encourage the social structures that have protected young Africans while finding ways to further develop resilience in the face of modernization.”
As Africa continues to urbanize and integrate into the digital economy, the report urges governments, educators, and families to prioritize mental well-being, ensuring that Africa’s youth can navigate the future with strength and stability.
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Olawale Moses Oyewole is an adept writer who stays on top of current events and curate informative and engaging articles for his readers. He is a digital strategist who help brands gain online visibility.
