THE world is becoming increasingly anxious, stressed and angry, according to a major international report published ahead of the World Health Summit in Berlin this week.
The “State of the Global Emotional Health 2025” report, conducted by the Gallup Institute, surveyed adults aged 15 and above in 144 countries and territories. It found that 39 per cent of adults worldwide reported experiencing high anxiety the day before being surveyed in 2024, while 37 per cent said they had felt extreme stress.
“These figures are especially elevated in countries affected by conflict,” Bernama-dpa cited the report stating.
Though global anxiety levels have slightly declined and returned to pre-pandemic levels, they remain five percentage points higher than in 2014.
Pain was reported by 32 per cent of respondents – a two-point increase from the previous year – while sadness (26 per cent) and anger (22 per cent) held steady. However, all indicators of negative emotions remain significantly higher than a decade ago.
The study also found that women, on average, report more sadness, anxiety and physical pain than men.
The findings will be presented at the World Health Summit in Berlin, where thousands of policymakers, economists, business leaders and civil society representatives have gathered to discuss global health and well-being.
The report’s authors warn that despite growing evidence of global emotional distress, many leaders continue to rely heavily on economic performance as a measure of national progress, overlooking the broader picture of public well-being.
“This neglect is dangerous,” the report states. “Negative emotions impair focus, diminish resilience and can expose societies to instability.”
Nevertheless, Gallup noted that positive emotions remain widespread around the world, offering some balance amid the rising tide of global discontent. - October 14, 2025
