A research group at Beijing Normal University has released a study which suggests that the mental health of the country's youth has been in decline since the 1990s. The study lasted three years and was funded by the National Social Science Endowment.

A total of six studies were done regarding the mental health standard of young adults since 1990. The contents include findings dealing with general mental health, apprehension, depression, egotism, etc. The combined results of each study indicate a gradual decline in all areas. For instance, from 1992 to 2005 the number of youth diagnosed with a nervous disorder increased by 8%. From 1989 to 2005, cases of depression increased by 7%. From 1992 to 2005, antagonistic attitudes increased by 8%. The only positive results involved cases of severe egotism dropping by 11% from 1997 to 2007.

Statistical analysts suggest that the decline in mental health is related to rapid changes in societal organization. Along with a decline in mental health data, studies also show an increase in the rate of divorce, crime, and unemployment.  The mental health standard of the Chinese youth was not positively affected by the previous decade's rapid economic boom but rather the data clearly shows a decline in mental health as the economic indexes rose.

The research group stresses that as the Chinese youth’s mental health declines there needs to be more emphasis placed on psychological education and awareness. Officials have already begun to recruit all sorts of professionals in the hopes of launching an education campaign to prevent further mental health deterioration; but there is resistance. Many schools and institutions still do not have enough faith in the group's findings to warrant hiring specialists and new curriculums.

The research group does not see the root of the decline of mental health in a lack of education, however. Rather, they see the cause of the problems to stem from the recent, extremely fast changes that have modified Chinese society unlike ever before. Currently, the disparity between rich and poor is as great in China as anywhere in the world. Such societal differences surely factor into the recent decline in mental health facing the next generation of Chinese.

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