Gen Z's Midlife Crisis Aversion May Initially Appear Encouraging, Yet Contrarily, It Could Also Signify Unforeseen Challenges Ahead

In a groundbreaking study published in PLOS One, researchers from Dartmouth College, University College London, and the Institute for Fiscal Studies have uncovered striking, persistent patterns in social science that could reshape our understanding of the midlife crisis and the ill-being or unhappiness hump.

The midlife crisis, a period of self-doubt, identity crisis, and emotional upset, is typically associated with a corresponding phenomenon known as the ill-being hump. This trend, consisting of increased worry, stress, and depression, reaches its peak in midlife and then decreases thereafter. However, the study suggests that this pattern may be changing.

The authors analysed data from nearly 2 million people from 44 countries, including the US and the UK, taken from the Global Minds mental health study between 2020 and 2025. The data indicated a worldwide decline in wellbeing among young people, with a significant drop in mental health among younger individuals.

This change in the age pattern of ill-being is attributed to the deterioration of mental health among younger people in the US and the UK. The origin of this change, however, remains disputed. Potential causes include the long-term impacts of the Great Recession on job prospects, underfunded mental healthcare services, issues posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increased use of social media.

The study also found that the unhappiness hump has disappeared across the world. In both countries, the unhappiness hump has been replaced by a trend where ill-being/unhappiness gradually declines over the course of a lifetime. This means that today, both in the US and the UK, mental ill-being is highest among the young and declines with age, a change from the past when mental ill-being peaked in middle-age.

The authors expressed concern about a serious mental health crisis among the young that needs addressing. They emphasised the importance of continued research and investment in mental healthcare services to support young people and address the root causes of this crisis.

At its deepest, the midlife crisis may lead to dramatic changes such as job changes, buying sports cars, getting divorced, or starting extramarital affairs. However, the study's findings suggest that these dramatic changes may no longer be the norm, with a shift towards a more gradual decline in mental health with age.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the changing patterns of the midlife crisis and the ill-being hump. It underscores the need for continued research and action to address the mental health crisis among young people and ensure that everyone, regardless of age, can lead happy, healthy lives.

Gen Z's Midlife Crisis Aversion May Initially Appear Encouraging, Yet Contrarily, It Could Also Signify Unforeseen Challenges Ahead