Tanzanian youth ranked highest in mental resilience in the “Mental State of the World 2024” report by Sapien Labs. Factors contributing to this include minimal ultra-processed food, limited smartphone use, and strong family ties. However, challenges remain as global youth mental health declines, highlighting the importance of protecting these advantages to maintain resilience.
A recent report from Sapien Labs, titled “Mental State of the World 2024,” highlights that Tanzanian youth exhibit exceptional mental resilience, achieving the highest mental well-being scores among 76 countries studied. This significant finding positions Tanzania uniquely, with its young adults having an average Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) exceeding 70, making it the only nation to surpass this threshold for internet-enabled youth.
Conducted by the Centre for Research of Brain and Mind (CEREBRAM) at the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology, the report analyzed over one million responses globally. Despite Tanzanian youth scoring highest, it is essential to note that these numbers are still below the averages for older adults worldwide, as younger populations generally show diminished mental health compared to their elders.
The research indicates that only 15 out of 79 countries had an average MHQ above 50, with Tanzania being notable for exceeding 65, which is the lowest average among those over 55 years old. The report contrasts the mental well-being of Tanzanian youth with trends in Western countries, where youth mental health has declined significantly since 2019, characterized by a loss of emotional regulation and difficulties in maintaining positive relationships.
Several factors contribute to the higher scores of Tanzanian youth. The nation has minimal consumption of ultra-processed foods and has banned single-use plastics, leading to lower exposure to industrial toxins. Additionally, limited exposure to smartphones and reduced screen time may result from the country’s weaker internet connectivity, fostering healthier mental development.
Moreover, Tanzania’s collective culture, emphasizing family connections and social ties, plays a crucial role in enhancing mental resilience. Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, stated that Africa’s youth mental health advantages should be preserved amid rapid technological changes to avoid a decline in resilience.
The report suggests that strong community relationships, later smartphone exposure, and greater interpersonal interactions significantly influence mental well-being scores. In contrast, high-income nations have seen a decline in these supportive factors over the last decade.
As Africa evolves, the potential loss of these mental-health benefits highlights the need for proactive measures to maintain youth well-being. With older generations thriving, there is concern about the capacity of the incoming workforce to manage daily pressures, which may result in reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and heightened anxiety levels. Dr. Thiagarajan emphasizes that protecting the mental resilience of Tanzanian youth presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the country moving forward.
The “Mental State of the World 2024” report reveals that Tanzanian youth lead globally in mental resilience, showcasing unique factors that promote their mental well-being. Despite high scores, challenges remain as global trends indicate a decline in youth mental health across various nations. The emphasis on cultural connections, limited technology exposure, and healthy lifestyles may provide a pathway for other regions to learn from Tanzania’s success. Therefore, safeguarding these advantages is crucial for the future mental health landscape of Africa.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
