A new study by Sapien Labs reveals that Tanzanian youth rank highest globally for mental resilience, with average Mental Health Quotient scores exceeding 70. However, younger adults display significantly poorer mental health than older generations worldwide. Key contributing factors include healthier lifestyles, strong community ties, and limited smartphone exposure.
A recent study, the Mental State of the World 2024 report by Sapien Labs, reveals that Tanzanian youth exhibit remarkable mental resilience, ranking highest among 76 countries surveyed. The report, conducted by the Centre for Research of Brain and Mind (CEREBRAM) at the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, indicates that Tanzanian young adults hold an average Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) above 70, setting them apart from their global peers.
Despite this high score, it is noteworthy that Tanzanian youth still trail behind older adults globally, reflecting a general trend where younger generations exhibit lower mental health than their elders. Across the study, only 15 countries showcased average MHQ scores above 50, with Tanzania being the sole country exceeding 65, which remains the lowest score compared to older populations.
The report attributes Tanzania’s advantageous standings to several factors, including lower consumption of ultra-processed foods, limited exposure to plastics due to a ban on single-use plastics, and fewer industrial toxins. Additionally, reduced smartphone exposure and time spent online contribute to healthier mental states among the youth.
The importance of social structures is also highlighted, as Tanzania’s collective culture and strong familial bonds foster better emotional resilience. Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, emphasized that Africa’s youth mental health advantages should be safeguarded against the backdrop of rapid technological advancements and increasing urbanization.
Research suggests that factors contributing to emotional resilience have been declining in high-income countries over recent years, significantly affecting mental well-being. As urbanization and technology adoption gains traction in Africa, experts warn that these protective factors risk diminishing if not actively preserved.
Globally, a widening generational gap in mental health is apparent, with older adults showing improving well-being while younger adults grapple with increasing distress. This raises concerns about the future workforce’s ability to cope with daily pressures, potentially leading to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and heightened anxiety levels.
The Mental State of the World 2024 report underscores the exceptional mental resilience exhibited by Tanzanian youth compared to global counterparts. While this resilience offers a hopeful narrative, it also presents a challenge to protect these advantages amidst rapid technological and societal shifts. Failure to do so may jeopardize the mental well-being of future generations in Africa.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
