Continuous worsening of population emotional stress globally: universality and variations.

Abstract in brief

• The study found that emotional stress has been steadily increasing globally from 2008 to 2021, with over half the population experiencing stress in 20 countries, and 85 countries reporting worse stress levels in 2020 compared to 2008.
• Young people experienced the most rapid decline in psychological wellbeing, and emotional stress worsened across all living and employment settings, including rural areas, cities, full-time, part-time, and unemployed populations.
• Factors like reducing physical pain and increasing income were identified as more impactful for decreasing stress than directly addressing health issues, emphasizing the importance of improving living environments to combat rising emotional stress worldwide.]