Past studies have tended to identify a U-shaped pattern of happiness (low in midlife, higher in youth and old age). Recent survey data indicates that the pattern is being replaced with a new one: young people indicate more distress and there is a monotonic decline in distress with age. | AI News Digest
Recent research indicates a significant shift in the pattern of happiness across age groups, moving away from the traditional U-shaped curve. Instead, young people are reporting increased distress, while ill-being appears to decline monotonically with age. This change is attributed to worsening mental health among youth, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from multiple countries, including the US and UK, confirm that the previous hump-shaped pattern of ill-being has disappeared. The findings highlight the urgent need to address the mental health crisis among younger populations. As the landscape of mental health evolves, understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers and society at large.
