The effects of generation anxiety on post-secondary mental health outcomes: Implications for service providers and educators

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dc.contributor.authorTahir, Aleena
dc.contributor.authorUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
dc.contributor.supervisorBrenner, Charlotte
dc.contributor.supervisorGunn, Thelma
dc.date.accessioned2025-09-16T20:51:49Z
dc.date.available2025-09-16T20:51:49Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.degree.levelMasters
dc.description.abstractDespite increased access to mental health services, Generation Z reports the highest rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Guided by Life Course Theory, this study examined how environmental, technological, and socioeconomic conditions influence youth mental health, with a focus on generation-specific anxieties related to climate change, artificial intelligence, and financial concerns. A mixed-methods design was employed, drawing on quantitative data from 586 post-secondary students using standardized mental health and anxiety scales, along with qualitative responses to open-ended questions. Pearson correlations and stepwise linear regressions revealed that financial anxiety was the strongest predictor of depression, anxiety, and stress. Eco-anxiety and AI anxiety also contributed to mental health outcomes in nuanced ways. Although proposed moderators did not significantly alter these relationships, factors such as social isolation, social support, and daily internet use were independently associated with mental health outcomes. Qualitative data reinforced these findings, with students expressing concern about financial insecurity, environmental degradation, and the impact of AI on job security. These findings highlight the need for clinicians, educators, and policymakers to develop targeted supports and policy responses that address the broader structural pressures affecting the psychological well-being of Generation Z.
dc.embargoNo
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/7132
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherLethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education
dc.publisher.facultyEducation
dc.relation.ispartofseriesThesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education)
dc.subjectGeneration Z
dc.subjectAnxiety
dc.subjectDepression
dc.subjectStress
dc.subjectClimate change
dc.subjectArtificial intelligence
dc.subjectFinances
dc.subjectSocial media
dc.subjectSocial Isolation
dc.subjectSocial support
dc.subject.lcshDissertations, Academic
dc.titleThe effects of generation anxiety on post-secondary mental health outcomes: Implications for service providers and educators
dc.typeThesis
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