Millennial women's happiness on a downward trend, report suggests
Recent data points towards declining well-being indicators for women in the U.S., particularly Millennials.
The Population Reference Bureau constructed the Women's Well-Being Index to evaluate factors impacting poverty, education, incarceration, political representation, physical and mental health, and employment rates most effectively.
This index aims to compare the experiences of various American women at a similar life stage (approximately aged 25-34 years) across different generations.
One of the main authors stated, "Although there have been some cross-generational progress in certain areas, according to our Index, Millennials are the first female generation since the so-called silent generation to experience a decline in overall happiness." The report was written by Sara Srygley, a research analyst at the Population Reference Bureau, a non-profit organization that collects data on population health and well-being.
Affordable, high-quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for rural women, as exemplified by Tyler Azure, a 28-year-old mother living in Havre, Montana, who raises six children (three of her own, her stepson, and two sisters) following her mother's death. "Doctors often come to town to pay off their student loans and move on to bigger cities," she said. "Mental health services are hard to find as well."
"You can't really build a relationship with doctors who are constantly leaving," Azure added. She described feeling ignored and not taken seriously as a young Native American woman.
Despite this decline in health and security, the report highlights millennial women's rankings in areas like education and employment – where they often outperform earlier generations.
Srygley noted, "It's not about whether young women today work hard enough or are trying to improve their lives. They are taking higher education and focusing on fields like STEM and business – areas they were encouraged to excel in since childhood, believing they would lead to better lives."
"Despite all efforts, these are very real challenges," she continued.
Reports suggest that some women face even greater hurdles.
"What stands out is how little progress black women have made," noted Jamelia Harris, director of research at the National Partnership for Justice and Joy, an advocacy organization supporting young women of color. "This is the least surprising aspect of the report." She was not involved in the report's creation.
Declining Progress
Srygley points out significant improvements in healthcare, safety, education, and employment for women, from the silent generation to Baby Boomer females. However, she notes this generational progress has stalled, and in some cases reversed, for millennial women.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges in the U.S., contact or text 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Global resources are available through the International Association for Suicide Prevention and Befrienders Worldwide.
"In this updated report, we see that the situation for Millennials is no longer stagnant but actively deteriorating," said Srygley.
Data shows violent crime rates against millennial women have increased compared to Generation X. Suicide rates have nearly doubled from Generation X to Millennials, and the maternal mortality rate has dramatically increased.
Data reveals that racial disparities in health and well-being among women are even more pronounced.
The maternal mortality rate for black mothers is more than double the national average, and black and Hispanic students receive fewer scholarships than their white counterparts with similar financial backgrounds, according to the report.
Effective Guidelines
Although it may be challenging to determine a reason for millennial women's declining happiness, Srygley notes that this is not surprising given the influence of social and political structures.
Stalled progress in closing the gender wage gap and improved access to lethal means could potentially impact suicide rates, although these rates have generally not drastically changed generation-to-generation, said Wrigley.
"We know that some policies could play a role, such as repealing protections for reproductive healthcare services," said Srygli. "Studies suggest that repealing these protections could increase the risk of maternal mortality and even suicides."
It's sensible that young women also face significant psychological pressures, said Martha Sanchez, healthcare policy and advocacy director at Young Invincibles, an advocacy organization for young Americans focused on education and employment.
"Young women are under immense pressure – indeed, legal obstacles – that make it hard for us to prioritize ourselves," said Sanchez.
From insufficient reproductive health services to affordable healthcare access, young women are affected by multiple issues that impact their mental health, along with existing personal challenges.
Experts recommend a combination of improved access to mental health care and comprehensive sexual education to address these issues. Inclusive policy-making and wider social reform are also recommended to fully address these problems.
