A quarter of Moroccans with internet access surveyed reported feeling “distressed” or “struggling” in terms of their mental well-being, according to the 2023 Mental State of the World report conducted by the Global Mind Project.
The study gathered data from more than 500,000 respondents across 71 countries, spanning regions such as North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia (Russian-speaking), the Middle East, North Africa, Oceania, South-East Asia, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The survey used in the study was the MHQ assessment, which is a comprehensive online questionnaire measuring cognitive and emotional capabilities, and provides an overall mental well-being metric known as the MHQ score.
Morocco scored 64 out of 300 on the MHQ scale in 2023, showing results similar to the global figures from the previous year.
The report highlighted that there has been little change in the average MHQ and the percentage of respondents experiencing distress or struggling since 2021. This indicates a stabilization in mental well-being levels since the Covid-19 pandemic, but with no recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
Countries such as the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania ranked highest with MHQ scores of 88 or above, while Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan (Russian-speaking) ranked lowest with scores ranging from 48 to 53.
The report linked the decline in mental health to factors such as early smartphone exposure, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and weakened family ties. It noted that early smartphone ownership in particular impacted the Social Self dimension, leading to symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, detachment from reality, and aggressive feelings towards others.
The report pointed out that increased wealth and economic development do not necessarily equate to better mental well-being. Instead, they can influence consumption habits and weaken social connections, which are crucial for overall vitality.
The Global Mind Project also offers indices measuring various dimensions of mental well-being, including Social Self, Mood and Outlook, Adaptability and Resilience, Drive & Motivation, Cognition, and Mind-Body Connection.