When we are looking at generations, researchers are noticing that Generation Z has a harder time with antisocial behaviors than the generations that came before them. When we look at generations or groups of people who are born between certain years, we can see growing trends in how that generation thinks and behaves.
Generation Z is now being studied and there are trends being noticed in what defines this generation. This generation is easier to observe because they spend a lot of their time on social media, sharing their lives and beliefs.
According to CNC and Medical Xpress, poor mental health in Generation Z is linked to substance use and antisocial behavior. This was when compared to generations that have come before them. This was determined in a study that was done by the Center for Longitudinal Studies at the UCL Social Research Institute.
Data collected from two separate groups:
•Groups; born 10 years apart when they were 14 years old
•Group of Generation Z consisted of more than 11,000 people
What the study found was that the rates of alcohol consumption, smoking, and assault did fall over the period between 2005 and 2015. However, the association between these actions and depressive symptoms was strongest in Generation Z.
Dr. Praveetha Patalay is a co-author of the study and she said that while it is encouraging that the rates of substance use have gone down, what they are seeing is that those who are engaging in these behaviors are also experiencing a lot of difficulties with their mental health when compared to the generations that have come before them.
In the 10 years separating the two generational groups that were studied, they found that the rates of depression had almost doubled. They didn’t just look at the antisocial behavior among Generation Z.
Researchers also looked at the link between weight and poor mental health. They found that the rates of obesity among the younger generation had almost doubled as well.
They also found that Generation Z was more likely to perceive themselves as being overweight compared to what previous generations thought when they were the same age. Again, they found a direct link to those who believed they had a high BMI were more likely to report being depressed.
This study has made it clearer that resources and support are needed when it comes to mental health strategies for Generation Z.
Sources: CNC, Medical Xpress