Paper short abstract:

In a transformative era, youth face mental health struggles. Our research explores links between radicalisation and mental health, highlighting the quest for existential meaning and purpose.

Paper long abstract:

We are going through one of the most pivotal moments in history where transformation is happening on all levels. Whilst our technologies allow for more forms of communication, youth still feel alone and unheard. Polarisation, marginalisation and alienation are growing in society with our most vulnerable in society, which in turn becomes a breeding ground for mental health issues. Yet there are no simple explanations or solutions.

Mental health has shown to be a major crisis amongst our younger generations. Living in a wealthy country is no guarantee for mental well-being. Youth are having to take matters into their own hands. Some are activists working towards global solidarity like Greta Thunberg and others are manifesting toxic behaviour through radicalisation. Both are part of the same continuum, expressing fear, fury and despair, refusing to adapt to the prevailing society, perhaps in search of authenticity?

Our research tried to fill in the gap by looking at youths’ perspectives contributing to radicalisation of an individual or a group. What our research shows is that when youth talk about mental health issues, they raise the need for meaning and purpose.

The findings derive from a broader research project funded by the Academy of Finland, "Growing up Radical? - The role of educational institutions in guiding young people's worldview construction” (2018-2023), based at the University of Helsinki, University of Oxford, Stockholm University and Åbo Akademi. (N=1675) derives from the Finnish national matriculation examination, where the students responded into a question related to the factors behind radicalisation. This led us further to the question of mental health and existential questions that youth may need to ask or discuss, preparing them with the spiritual capital, preparing them for life.