Tanzania’s Youth Show Mental Resilience, Adults Lead Globally

Tanzanian Youth Show Resilience in Mental Health, Yet Adults Fare Better

March 8, 2025 – Dar es Salaam

A recent report highlights that Tanzanian youth display remarkable mental resilience, surpassing their counterparts in 76 countries surveyed. However, it is important to note that adults still demonstrate a higher level of mental stability globally.

The findings come from the Mental State of the World 2024 report, conducted by Sapien Labs, a leading institution in mental health research. The study gathered insights from over 5,000 Tanzanians across different tribes, communities, and regions, aiming to understand how environmental factors affect the brain and mental health.

The Sapien Labs Center for Brain and Mental Health Research (CEREBRAM), located at the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, conducted the research, analyzing over one million responses globally. Among these, Tanzania stood out as the only country where the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) for internet-savvy youth exceeded 70.

Despite this positive trend, Tanzanian youth scores are still below the global average for adults' mental stability. Across the world, younger generations tend to have poorer mental health compared to older generations.

Only 15 countries out of the 79 surveyed had an MHQ for youth above 50. In Tanzania, the MHQ score for youth surpassed 65, aligning with the lowest scores of nations with individuals aged 55 and above.

The report notes that Tanzania’s data contrasts with trends in Western countries, where mental health among youth has deteriorated sharply since 2019 without signs of improvement. This global decline is attributed to a decrease in emotional regulation and difficulties in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships.

Several factors contribute to the mental resilience of Tanzanian youth. The consumption of natural foods, restrictions on plastic bags, and lower industrial pollution—due to the country’s reliance on agriculture and tourism—may all play a role in this positive trend.

Additionally, the relatively low use of smartphones and the limited time spent on them by younger Tanzanians could also explain the higher MHQ scores. This is partly due to the limited access to high-speed internet services in the country.

Another key factor in the resilience of Tanzanian youth is the strong social culture, with an emphasis on family bonds and friendships. This contrasts with the individualistic, digital-first cultures of many developed nations, where social isolation and disconnection are increasingly common.

Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, Founder and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, emphasized the unique opportunity Africa has in shaping the mental health of its young population. She highlighted that the continent is undergoing significant technological and economic changes and must take action to safeguard the mental health of its youth.

"As Africa’s youth are expected to become the backbone of the global economy in the coming decades, governments must ensure that urban migration, digital usage, and lifestyle changes do not erode the mental resilience that currently sets them apart," said Dr. Thiagarajan.

The report suggests that strong social ties, delayed smartphone usage, and face-to-face interactions contribute significantly to the high mental health scores. These elements, which foster emotional resilience, have been declining in wealthier nations for over a decade, as digital interactions and individualism replace traditional communal structures.

However, as Africa transitions to urban living and embraces greater technological integration, experts warn that these mental health advantages may diminish if not properly protected, leading to potential mental health challenges for the continent's youth.

The report also illustrates the growing generational gap in mental health globally. While individuals over 55 continue to thrive mentally, younger generations face higher levels of stress. This may have long-term consequences as older generations retire, leaving behind a workforce potentially ill-equipped to handle the pressures of daily life.

The report warns that these trends could lead to reduced productivity, increased sick leave, weakened social bonds, and higher levels of anxiety and violence in daily life due to a generation struggling to cope with challenges.

"For Tanzania, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. It’s a chance to learn from global trends and take proactive steps now to protect the mental resilience of its youth," concluded Dr. Thiagarajan.