Three specialists delve into the reasons behind Gen Z's apparent struggle in discovering contentment.

Riding the Waves of the Tumultuous Twenties

Three Professionals Clarifythe Perplexing Phenomenon: Why Gen Z Struggles to Discover Contentment

Have you ever dreamt of reliving your twenties once more? There's a strong chance I, along with countless others, feel the same. This decade, for many, embodies some of life's most cherished years. Nevertheless, what makes the twenties so captivating? Irrespective of the answer, it's no secret that this period in our lives entails a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences.

Fun fact: The current crop of young adults, colloquially known as Gen Z, appear to be grappling with an emotional hurdle, a happiness conundrum of sorts, that's hard to ignore. The recent Global Flourishing Study, a joint endeavor between Harvard University and Baylor University, sheds light on some shocking findings. After scrutinizing over 200,000 young people spanning 22 nations, the report reveals a startling trend: for the very first time, young people aged 18 to 29, are in the midst of a happiness crisis. You heard it here—happiness is stagnating for an entire generation, and many members of this era are at a loss on how to revive it.

You might be wondering: are Gen Z the only ones plagued with these feelings? Well, fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your perspective), they're not alone in their struggle. But, according to research, they are one of the most adversely affected generations. Ever heard of the American Psychological Association's latest study? As it turns out, it was revealed that a staggering 90% of Gen Zs have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom stemming from ongoing stress. Amazingly, despite their high rates of stress, Gen Zers are the least likely to discuss their troubles with those around them. The reason? They don't want to impose on others or seem like a burden.

So, where did things go wrong? Were there any hints that we missed along the way? To shed some light on these questions, I reached out to three mental health experts and asked for their take on this peculiar issue. Allow me to share some of their hypotheses as to why Gen Z is finding it tough to locate happiness:

When Perfectionism Meets Overwhelm

Kelsey M. Latimer, Ph.D., a psychologist and CEO of KML Psychological Services, proposes a plausible theory. "Some members of Gen Z seem absolutely inundated with pressure to excel in every aspect of life—be it an impressive college application or an edge in the professional world." The pressure to be the best, to never falter, is immense within this generation. It's unfortunately awfully common, with one out of three Gen Zers believing that they need to be flawless[1]. Interestingly, this figure is even higher among females than males, with 40% of young women compared to just 26% of young men[1].

The Everblooming Demand to Evolve

Lynn Zakeri, owner of Lynn Zakeri LCSW Clinical Services, adds to Latimer's observations. She claims, "Gen Z has inherited the obligation to be emotionally expressive, socially conscious, digitally omnipresent, and perpetually evolving—with no room to simply exist." With technological advancements and innovation pouring in, there's no denying that we're in a golden age for businesses. Yet, have we unwittingly instilled the pressure to constantly adapt in Gen Z? Has stillness become taboo in the modern workplace and lifestyle?

Lastly, Daren Banarsë, MA BACP, a senior psychotherapist with a private practice in Central London, England, contributes another insightful observation. He leans that young adults find it hard to sit with discomfort, often exhibiting panic when their phone dies, even experiencing physical discomfort when Instagram encounters brief downtime. Banarsë isn't alone in his observations. In 2017, Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., a psychology professor at San Diego State University, speculated that the proliferation of smartphone usage in 2012 played a direct role in the surge of loneliness. Long-standing research has explored the effects of technology on young people, but until now, many of those conclusions centered on theoretical skepticism. However, recent studies reveal a tangible connection between social media and its influence over how young people perceive themselves and their self-worth[2].

Regardless of whether this emotional slump will fade with time or persist through life's various stages remains to be seen. But, as business leaders, we can create an impact and cultivate environments that encourage happiness for our employees. That starts with allowing Gen Z the freedom to be authentic at work, even when they're struggling to find joy. The more they recognize your workplace as a sanctuary, the more they will be able to form connections, find solace, and, dare I say, happiness.

Enrichment Data:

Literary Reference: The title of this article is a nod to J.D. Salinger's famed novel "The Catcher in the Rye."
This Generation's Well-being:
Research has indicated that Gen Z faces significant challenges in their well-being:
- Their mental health issues are considerably more prevalent than those of previous generations.
- Experiences of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among young adults have surged in recent years.
- Stigmas surrounding mental health discussions, in conjunction with the lack of appropriate resources, intensify their struggles.
Lack of Meaning and Purpose:
Numerous young adults report feeling a profound sense of disorientation and dissatisfaction in their lives, feeling directionless, or a lack of purpose and meaning. These emotions can negatively impact their mental health.
Financial Worries:
Financial concerns, such as student loan debt, are rampant within Gen Z, contributing to their unhappiness.
Economic uncertainty coupled with unstable job prospects also contribute to their financial instability and overall happiness.
Prioritization of Immediate Gratification:
Gen Z tends to favor immediate happiness through unique experiences and personal development over long-term financial planning.
Flattening of the Happiness Curve:
Traditionally, happiness followed a U-shaped curve, peaking in youth and old age. However, recent studies prove that this curve is gradually flattening, causing happiness levels to drop earlier in life. This shift corresponds with the mental health challenges and stressors facing younger generations.
Mental health awareness month is a significant time to discuss the mental health concerns facing Generation Z, a group currently grappling with a happiness crisis as revealed in the Global Flourishing Study.
The twenties, often known as the most cherished years, have proven to be a challenging period for Gen Zers, who are experiencing skyrocketing stress levels, as indicated by the American Psychological Association's latest study.
Interestingly, despite their high rates of stress, Gen Zers are the least likely to discuss their troubles, possibly due to feelings of not wanting to impose or seem like a burden, a phenomenon that is particularly prevalent among females.
Gen Z has been characterized by perfectionism, the demand to evolve, and the allure of social media, factors that could contribute to their mental health struggles, according to mental health experts.
In the workplace, encouraging authenticity and creating a sanctuary for employees can help Gen Z navigate their search for happiness, allowing them to form connections and find solace.
Science and research have unveiled tangible connections between social media and its impact on self-perception and self-worth, shedding light on one of the factors affecting the mental health of Gen Z.