A report by Sapien Labs reveals that Tanzanian youth demonstrate the highest mental resilience globally, with notable MHQ scores linked to favorable environmental and social conditions. In contrast, younger adults worldwide face growing mental health challenges. Measures must be taken to protect Tanzanian youth’s mental well-being amidst rapid societal changes.
The Mental State of the World 2024 report, published by Sapien Labs, indicates that Tanzanian young adults excel in mental resilience, achieving the highest Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) scores among 76 countries surveyed worldwide. This research, headed by the Centre for Research of Brain and Mind at Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, demonstrates that Tanzanian youth average an MHQ score exceeding 70, in contrast to lower scores typically observed in older adults globally.
Analysis of over one million global responses reveals that youth mental health is comparatively diminished across generations. Across all surveyed countries, only 15 out of 79 reported an average MHQ score above 50, with Tanzania notably being the only nation where the average score surpasses 65, indicating significant mental well-being among its youth relative to older cohorts.
Several factors are credited for the enhanced mental resilience in Tanzanian youth. These include the country’s low sales of ultra-processed food, a ban on single-use plastics that reduces exposure to toxins, and a focus on tourism and agriculture. Moreover, the limited exposure to smartphones at a young age and accompanied by less time spent on devices may contribute to this resilience, along with strong social bonds within families and communities, fostering better emotional support.
Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, emphasized the imperative for African governments to protect this unique advantage in youth mental health amid rapid technological and economic developments. She asserted that proactive measures are necessary to ensure that urbanization and digital integration do not undermine the mental resilience now evident among African youth.
The report underscores that while older adults continue to thrive, younger generations confront distinct stressors as they navigate a rapidly evolving world. Failure to address mental health challenges among the youth could yield detrimental effects on productivity and cooperation in the future workforce. The report ultimately presents a call to action for Tanzania to learn from global trends to maintain and strengthen the mental resilience of its youth.
The findings of the Mental State of the World 2024 report position Tanzanian youth as leaders in global mental resilience, primarily due to cultural, environmental, and social factors. Despite achieving high mental well-being scores, there remains a significant generational disparity in mental health. The report serves as a cautionary reminder for both Tanzania and other nations to prioritize youth mental health to preserve and enhance their contributions to society.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
