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Global trends in emotional distress
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Maynooth University, Maynooth W23 F2K8, Ireland.
Summary
Emotional distress, including worry, sadness, stress, and anger, increased globally from 25% to 31% between 2009 and 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic initially heightened distress, with some recovery seen in 2021.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Emotional distress is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding trends in emotional well-being is crucial for effective interventions.
- Previous research has highlighted varying levels of distress across different demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze global trends in emotional distress from 2009 to 2021.
- To identify demographic factors associated with changes in emotional distress.
- To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional well-being.
Main Methods:
- Utilized annual representative survey data from 1.53 million individuals across 113 countries.
- Assessed self-reported experiences of worry, sadness, stress, or anger.
- Analyzed data from 2009 to 2021, including the pandemic period.
Main Results:
- Global prevalence of emotional distress rose from 25% to 31% between 2009 and 2021.
- Individuals with lower education and income levels showed the most significant increases in distress.
- The pandemic saw an initial rise in distress in 2020, followed by a partial recovery in 2021.
Conclusions:
- Emotional distress is a growing global concern, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
- Socioeconomic factors play a critical role in emotional well-being.
- The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily exacerbated emotional distress, highlighting the need for resilient mental health support systems.
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