Intergenerational injustice can worsen young people’s mental health

Lead author Gerald Jordan, from the University’s School of Psychology, said: “Young people are now worse off compared to their parents and grandparents across a number of domains in many advanced economies and we believe there are links between these factors and increases in health. mental problems among young people.”

Have access to safe and affordable housing; an accessible education; labor rights; and a stable, predictable climate are greater uncertainties for young people than for older generations, with increased implications for poor mental health. These factors are seen as fundamental economic and social indicators for positive mental health outcomes.

Furthermore, although some advanced economies have made investments in the mental health of young people, health systems are still predominantly geared towards supporting physical illnesses, which are more likely to affect the elderly.

The authors urge professionals to be sensitive to intergenerational injustices and, in particular, to consider greater and more targeted support for those with serious mental health problems such as psychosis, where patients may be particularly vulnerable to injustice.

“Young people with serious mental health problems can face significant additional challenges in accessing housing, education and finding safe, well-paid jobs – and these problems become even more pronounced when other forms of marginalization, such as racism or classism, are also involved”, added Dr. Jordan. “Helping young people address some of these concerns would also better ensure successful recovery from serious mental health problems.”