The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University has a released a new study revealing the negative impact an anti-biblical worldview has on mental health. The study was done in January with 2,000 U.S. adults aged 18 an up. According to the report, mental health issues have become a serious problem in America, particular amongst younger Americans, with 56 percent of Generation Z and 49 percent of millennials regularly experience anxiety, fear, or depression. Conversely, one percent of Gen Z and two percent of millennials possess what would be called a biblical worldview, what the study defines as “a means of experiencing, interpreting, and responding to reality in light of biblical perspectives.”

What the study revealed, is that those who do not hold to a biblical worldview are more likely to report mental health issues. Gen Z, which has the lowest prevalence of a biblical worldview, also has a high rate of those who struggle with mental health issues, with 56 percent stating regular experiences of anxiety, fear, or depression. Forty-nine percent of millennials report the same struggles. The research suggested that some of these feelings could stem from the prevalence of anti-biblical worldviews that run strongly within Gen Zers and millennials. For example, the study found that 7 out of 10 individuals under 40 do not feel like their life has purpose, which could contribute to feelings of depression, fear, and anxiety. The study also found that a lack of engagement in religious and political life also seemed to be connected to higher rates of mental health issues, with 82 percent of those disengaged from faith and politics reporting frequent experiences of anxiety, depression and fear. Sixty-seven percent of those who were more engaged reported similar struggles. The study also found that those who identified as “consistently liberal” were more likely to struggle with mental issues than those who don’t (38 percent vs 22 percent respectively).

Many Americans also subscribe to syncretism- a blend of beliefs, sometimes in conflict with one another, that is often drawn from various worldviews. “The lifestyle that results from these common worldview components is one of chaos and fear. However, embracing a biblical worldview offers a sense of purpose, security, and peace that can alleviate many of these mental health challenges,” stated George Barna of the Cultural Research Center. In contrast to the often contrary nature of syncretic beliefs, Barna noted that a biblical worldview, “provides a framework that fosters emotional stability.” Younger people’s beliefs were more likely to be described as “Romantic,” which relies heavily on emotions and assumes people to be naturally good, and “Nihilistic,” which defines everything as being meaningless.

The study stated its findings could give major implications for the treatment of mental health. “The research instead indicates that those are often symptoms of an unhealthy worldview that produces and reinforces the emergence of anxiety, depression, fear, and even suicidal thoughts. Instead of turning to mental health treatments, the best prescription for millions of Americans is to embrace a more reliable and proven worldview,” it suggested. Barna stated a biblical worldview might be the key to overcoming many mental health problems. “If the individual instead embraced the core tenets of the biblical worldview, their life would not be perfect but they would likely avoid many of the pitfalls and frustrations produced by the syncretistic explanation of life.”