A recent Gallup survey examined how young Americans manage stress, anxiety, and other significant emotions, yielding predominantly optimistic results.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Walton Family Foundation and Dr. Lisa Damour, a best-selling author and clinical adolescent psychologist, who consulted on Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”
Dr. Damour, based in Ohio, and her team investigated the experiences of Gen Z, focusing on the dynamics between teens and their parents, as well as their support systems.
KIDS AND SMARTPHONES: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG? EXPERTS REVEAL IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS
The researchers conducted a survey involving 1,675 children aged 10 to 18, along with their parents or guardians.
The findings suggest that young Gen Zers utilize “a variety of healthy coping mechanisms” to navigate their emotions, according to a press release.
A promotional poster for “Inside Out 2” is showcased in Hong Kong on July 3, 2024, featuring nine animated emotions: joy, sadness, anger, disgust, fear, ennui, envy, embarrassment, and anxiety. Dr. Lisa Damour served as a consultant for the film. (Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Over half of Gen Z participants indicated they cope by listening to music, while 45% reported playing video games, 45% reaching out to friends, and 39% discussing their emotions.
PSYCHIATRIST SHARES 4 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD THROUGH LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS ON WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Only 20% of teens turned to social media when feeling down.
The emotional landscape of preteens and teens is “characterized by more highs than lows,” according to the Gallup survey.
A psychologist mentioned that music is “an effective method for managing emotions.” (iStock)
An impressive 94% of teenagers reported feeling happiness “a lot” the previous day; 45% felt stress, 38% experienced anxiety, and 23% felt sadness.
Assisting teens with emotional management
The survey examined how parents and guardians can support teenagers in regulating their emotions as they seek greater independence.
Over 60% of Gen Zers expressed a desire for their parents to listen when they are upset, while only 28% wanted advice.
GEN Z HAPPINESS IS MOST DRIVEN BY ONE SURPRISING THING, GALLUP POLL FINDS
Younger Gen Z members showed a preference for parental reassurance and physical comfort; conversely, teenagers were 20% more likely to prefer having space when distressed, according to the findings.
Young individuals who strive for perfection are 23% to 30% more inclined to feel anxious, sad, and stressed.
Among the parents surveyed, 35% reported that their teens experience “very intense emotions,” yet over 80% of parents felt “confident in their ability to comfort and communicate with their children.”
The survey also indicated that a third of Gen Z youths perceive pressure to attain perfection, particularly among girls (40%) and those aged 13 to 15 (38%).
“Though social media may be altering the landscape slightly, the issue of perfectionism among youth, especially girls, has long existed,” noted an expert. (iStock)
Research indicates that young individuals with perfectionist tendencies are 23% to 30% more likely to experience feelings of anxiety, sadness, and stress.
According to Stephanie Marken, a senior partner at Gallup, “These new findings imply that the adverse emotions many Gen Zers feel are entwined with their desire for perfection.”
PSYCHOLOGISTS REVEAL 7 WAYS PARENTS CAN DRIVE HAPPINESS BY HELPING KIDS FIND THEIR PURPOSE
Marken added, “Prior Gallup studies have shown that children who frequently face negative emotions often struggle academically, highlighting the importance of assisting Gen Z in coping with their feelings and the underlying causes.”
Damour expressed her pleasure in discovering how “strong and prevalent” positive emotions are among young individuals. (iStock)
‘Surprisingly’ uplifting
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Damour shared her astonishment at the significant number of young Gen Zers reporting positive emotions and effective coping strategies.
“Our findings may surprise many, as recent headlines have predominantly highlighted mental health issues and negative emotions,” she remarked.
“Young people emphasize their need to be heard and taken seriously.”
While 23% of children noted feelings of envy and sadness, 29% experienced anger, 38% reported anxiety, and 45% indicated stress, the majority felt enjoyment (91%) and happiness (94%).
ADHD IN MALES VERSUS FEMALES: WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES IN SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS
Damour stated, “The key takeaway is that while teenagers experience lows, they also undergo highs, and their positive feelings are more frequent than negative ones.”
Despite the complexity of their emotions and intense feelings, teenagers also experience many positive moments, she noted.
The limited number of teens using social media for emotional support reflects their “awareness” that it “does not contribute to their well-being,” according to the psychologist. (iStock)
The expert provided advice for parents with perfectionist teens.
“As adults, we must remind young people that imperfections are natural. The aim is not perfection, but rather to recognize and address our weaknesses while feeling good about ourselves overall,” she emphasized.
‘Listening is vital’
As the school year begins, Damour advised parents to prioritize listening over offering solutions.
Explore more Health articles at www.foxnews/health
“Well-intentioned adults may instinctively start with suggestions when teens express emotional pain; however, it’s crucial to understand that young people desire to be listened to and taken seriously,” she stated.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Taking teenagers’ feelings seriously and listening attentively aids in their emotional recovery,” Damour concluded.
Parents should tailor their support strategies to the individual needs of their children, as suggested by the survey findings. (iStock)
By allowing teenagers the space to manage their feelings, adults may discover that these young individuals can effectively cope with their emotional challenges, she conveyed.
“Currently, parents are exceptionally anxious about their teenagers and their transitioning into adolescence,” the psychologist observed.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
She concluded, “Teenagers yearn to be heard and taken seriously by adults, and they have a thoughtful approach to handling their emotions, well aware of what does not improve their state of mind.”
