A religious worldview could be just the medicine America needs for its mental health crisis, according to a new study.
George Barna, director of research at Arizona Christian University’s Cultural Research Center, found a striking connection between common mental health issues — anxiety, depression and fear — and the lack of a biblical worldview, especially among younger people.
According to Mr. Barna’s findings, millennials and Gen Z youth report significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression than older generations. More than half of these young adults say they regularly struggle with mental health, while only 1%-2% hold a biblical worldview.
By contrast, baby boomers — who report fewer mental health challenges — are likelier to hold biblical beliefs, the report said.
According to federal research, 23% of adults in the U.S. suffer from some form of mental illness. Among millennials and Gen Z youth, 33% are believed to have at least one diagnosable mental health condition.
Mr. Barna’s research suggests worldview shapes how people handle stress and navigate life’s challenges. He pointed to moral relativism, lack of purpose and rejection of absolute truth — common beliefs among younger generations — as contributing factors to emotional instability.
These unmoored worldviews lead to feelings of chaos, uncertainty and fear, which fuel rising levels of anxiety and depression in today’s society, Mr. Barna argued. While he acknowledged the value of traditional treatments like therapy and medication, he said addressing worldview could be a vital — but often overlooked — part of the solution.
Mr. Barna said it’s increasingly common to see young adults relying on emotions over facts, viewing life as having no inherent value, believing in concepts like Karma, and rejecting the biblical understanding of God.
“Add to this a lack of any sense of purpose or meaning, and the idea that truth is subjective. This common set of components results in a lifestyle that is inconsistent, chaotic, frustrating and lacking hope. Anxiety, depression and fear are virtually inescapable in such a life,” Mr. Barna said, according to a press release.
Mr. Barna called on parents and churches to focus on shaping worldviews early, noting that a person’s foundational beliefs are often solidified by their early teens.
• Emma Ayers can be reached at eayers@washingtontimes.com.
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