Young Life is releasing the third chapter of The RELATE Project, a global study conducted with the intention of learning more about young people and how they can flourish in their lives. The surveyed group includes teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24 across eight countries around the globe: the U.S. and Mexico, the U.K., as well as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and India.
This chapter’s data explores the flourishing of adolescents, their self-concept, and how they want others to view them. Entitled “All the World’s Their Stage,” The RELATE Project’s chapter 3 shares that today’s teens and young adults want to forge their own path, be known for their talents, and fundamentally believe that people can be whatever they want to be. The third chapter of The RELATE Project is available to view and download now at relate.younglife.org.
“In this chapter, our data focused on understanding how Gen Z views themselves. Findings show that these younger generations want to be known for their interests as well as their character,” said Dr. Kimberly Nollan, Director Of Research and Evaluation at Young Life. “Younger generations are asking if they are worthy of being loved, while they themselves try to be loving and loyal friends – there’s a great opportunity for older adults to show these younger generations that they are indeed enough, that they’re loved, and that they’re valued.”
Hear our Closer Look conversation with Dr. Nollan:
The RELATE Project findings come from an online survey conducted by Young Life in July and August 2023, which gathered results from 7,261 adolescents ages 13-24 around the world.
Key findings analyzed in Chapter 3: All the World’s Their Stage
Gen Z wants an identity they can control or choose, not the identity they are born into.
Most of all, Gen Zers want to be known for their talents, interests and hobbies – more than their education, occupation, or birthplace.
Gen Zers with the strongest self-concept are the most likely to flourish
- The Flourishing Model was developed through this research, which depicts three concepts that form a triangle and are strongly connected, working together to either grow or shrink flourishing: self-concept, belonging, and close relationships.
- Faith is statistically related with belonging, close relationships, and self-concept. Faith acts as a framework through which individuals see the world, and can increase these three variables. Likewise, faith itself is strengthened when young people experience more belonging, healthy close relationships, and have a higher self-concept.
Despite the large amount of social media anxiety, teens and young adults are pretty confident in themselves.
- Overall, 80% of adolescents say, “I like myself,” and only 10% disagree.
- Gen Zers fundamentally believe that you can be whatever you want to be.
The RELATE Project will consist of four total chapters, with one remaining chapter being released in August. To check out all of the findings from Chapter Three and stay updated on the release of the final chapter, visit relate.younglife.org.
About Young Life
Young Life is a Christ-centered ministry devoted to building bridges of authentic friendship, introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ, and helping youth grow in their faith. To learn more, please visit younglife.org.