Focus and concentration driving poor mental wellbeing in young

The second annual report of the Australian Mental Wellbeing Index has been released by KPMG Australia and Smiling Mind. It shows young Australians have consistently poorer mental wellbeing than Australians aged over 65, driven by low levels of focus and concentration. The research also reveals seasonal mental wellbeing trends that could be the key to providing targeted support for millions of Australians.

Key Findings:

• Young people aged 18-24 have lower levels of mental wellbeing compared to adults over 65

• Young people aged 18-24 and 25-34 struggle most with focus and concentration

• Adults over 65 show lower levels of stress, better concentration and greater emotional awareness and regulation

• Young people aged 18-24 displayed an uptick in their emotional awareness over the last quarter

• Only 27% of Australians reported overall good levels of mental wellbeing

• 35% of Australians report poor sleep quality

The Mental Wellbeing Index offers insights into six everyday mental wellbeing domains.

The Index provides a consistent and reliable dataset to inform mental wellbeing policy and decision making. Each quarterly report highlights national and state-based trends in Australia’s mental wellbeing.

The Index offers Australians an opportunity to reframe mental wellbeing and consider how each of the domains measured contributes to overall wellbeing and mental health.

Emotional awareness

The ability to notice emotions as they are experienced and to identify and differentiate between emotions.

Focus and concentration

The ability to attend to a task with minimal distraction and for an extended period of time.

Emotional regulation

The ability to manage emotions without reacting to them.

Relationships & social connections

The experience of rewarding relationships, feeling connected and close with others.

Sleep

The level of satisfaction with the quality of sleep.

Stress

The experience of agitation, nervousness or stress.