Gen Z is having a harder time than previous generations did at their age, according to new research. But the secret to increasing their happiness may be found in that data.
The survey, which was conducted by Gallup in conjunction with the Walton Family Foundation, collected data from more than 2,000 Americans from Generation Z (ages 12 to 26). It is one of a series of four surveys about Gen Z, said survey author Zach Hrynowski, a senior researcher at Gallup.
“What we’re trying to do is put together a complete picture of what does Gen Z’s life look like? What’s important to them? How do they project their futures?” he said.
Of the people surveyed, about 75% reported being at least somewhat happy, the data showed. The number went down significantly as the kids and teens reached adulthood, however.
Gen Z people who are 18- to 26-years-old are less likely to rate their lives positively than older generations when they were in that age range, Hrynowski said, noting this analysis didn’t do a direct comparison but used previous surveys to assess happiness levels of Gen Z and its predecessors.
Two factors were heavily correlated with Gen Z happiness: how much time they got for weekend sleep and relaxation, and even more important was their sense of purpose, he said.
