Young adults in India have performed poorly in the latest global Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) rankings, placing 60th among 84 countries. In contrast, older Indians aged above 55 ranked 49th, highlighting a significant generational gap in mental well-being.
The findings come from the 2025 study conducted by Sapien Labs under its Global Mind Health initiative.
Sharp Generational Divide in MHQ Scores
According to the report, Indian young adults aged 18–34 recorded an average MHQ score of around 33, placing them in the “Distressed or Struggling” category. Meanwhile, those aged above 55 scored nearly 100 on average, categorised as “Managing or Succeeding.”
Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, noted that since 2019, adults aged 55 and older have consistently maintained stable mind health scores. However, young adults under 35—who were already struggling before the COVID-19 pandemic—experienced a sharp decline during the pandemic and have not fully recovered.
Global Trends Mirror Indian Findings
Geographically, the 18–34 age group fared worse than older adults across all 84 countries studied. Interestingly, countries with relatively better mind health scores are predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania.
On the other hand, countries ranking at the bottom include Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and China.
Notably, Finland, which consistently tops the World Happiness Index, ranked 28th for those aged above 55 and 40th for those aged 18–34 in mind health.
Wealth Does Not Guarantee Better Mind Health
The report analysed data from over one million internet-enabled respondents across 84 nations during 2024 and 2025. Surprisingly, the decline in mental health among younger generations appears most pronounced in wealthier and more developed countries.
Thiagarajan emphasised that policymakers must address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms. She pointed to weakening family bonds, declining spirituality, early smartphone exposure, and increased consumption of ultra-processed foods as possible contributors to the worsening trend.
Family Bonds Strongly Influence Mental Well-Being
Importantly, the study found that poor family relationships significantly increase the risk of mental distress. About 44 per cent of individuals who do not get along with family members fall into the “Distressed or Struggling” category, compared to just 12 per cent among those who report close family ties.
In India, family closeness appears to play a crucial protective role. Nearly 64 per cent of respondents aged 18–34 reported being close to their families, while the figure rose to 78 per cent among those above 55. The associated Indian study further revealed that family closeness has a stronger impact on mental well-being than income levels.
Smartphones and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption
As reported by Hindustan Times, the study also examined lifestyle patterns. Globally, the average age at which young people receive their first smartphone is 14 years; in India, it is slightly higher at 16.5 years.
Moreover, 44 per cent of young Indian adults reported consuming ultra-processed foods, compared to just 11 per cent among the older generation. Researchers suggest that such dietary patterns may correlate with declining mental health among youth.
Rising Spending, Limited Outcomes
Despite massive investments in mental health research and services across Western countries, outcomes have not improved significantly. The report noted that the United States spent USD 2.2 billion on mental health research in 2024 and over USD 100 billion annually on adult mental health treatment over the past decade. Similarly, the National Health Service in the United Kingdom spent GBP 12 billion on mental health services in 2021–22.
However, the study observed that mental health outcomes in these countries remain worse than in several nations with far lower per capita spending. At best, current expenditure appears to provide incremental symptom relief without addressing deeper structural and societal causes.