A recent study conducted by Sapien Labs in their annual Global Mind Report 2023 has shed light on the mental health landscape in Morocco. The report revealed that a significant portion, approximately 25%, of Moroccan respondents reported being “Distressed or Struggling” with their mental wellbeing.
This finding underscores the urgency for heightened attention to mental health issues within the country and emphasizes the necessity of implementing supportive strategies for those grappling with mental health challenges.
The study, which surveyed over 500,000 individuals in 13 languages across 71 countries, provided a comprehensive overview of mental wellbeing globally, with particular insights into Morocco. Notably, Morocco scored relatively higher in the “Adaptability & Resilience” dimension compared to countries of similar ranking, indicating a noteworthy capacity among Moroccans to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate adversity.
Despite this resilience, Morocco ranks in the middle of the global mental wellbeing rankings, boasting an average Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) score of 64. This situates the country alongside nations such as Belgium, Sudan, and Algeria. The MHQ, a unique assessment tool developed by Sapien Labs, evaluates an individual’s mental wellbeing based on cognitive, social, and emotional functioning.
The report also highlighted the enduring impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health worldwide, with no discernible signs of recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Notably, younger generations, particularly those under 35, have been significantly affected by this decline in mental wellbeing.
Various factors have been attributed to this decline, including the increased usage of smartphones from a younger age, the consumption of ultra-processed foods, and a weakening of social connections. The study particularly emphasized the influence of smartphone ownership at a young age, linking it to adverse effects on mental wellbeing, especially in the dimension of Social Self.
Surprisingly, the report found that greater wealth and economic development do not guarantee better mental wellbeing. Countries like the Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania ranked higher in mental wellbeing compared to wealthier nations such as the United Kingdom and Australia.
In regions where smartphone ownership occurs at a later age, such as Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, mental wellbeing tends to be higher. Conversely, in countries where children acquire smartphones at a younger age, such as the Core Anglosphere countries, mental wellbeing trends are less favorable.
The study underscores the complex interplay between technology, socio-economic factors, and mental wellbeing, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address the mental health challenges faced by diverse populations, including Moroccans.
