State of the World’s Emotional Health 2025: What Global Feelings Reveal About Peace and Wellbeing

A World on Emotional Edge

A new global report surveying more than 145,000 people across 144 nations paints a striking picture of emotional life in 2024—and its relationship to peace, stability, and public health. The findings show that negative emotions remain elevated worldwide, signaling not just personal distress but also deeper risks to social cohesion and global stability.

Negative Emotions Still Elevated

According to the report, 39% of adults globally said they worried much of the previous day, and 37% reported high stress. More than a quarter experienced sadness, while nearly one-third reported physical pain. Though some indicators have eased slightly from pandemic highs, all remain higher than a decade ago, showing a long-term shift in global emotional strain.

Positive Emotions Holding Steady

Despite rising worries, global data shows remarkable resilience. Most adults reported being treated with respect (88%), and large majorities experienced enjoyment and laughter. Positive emotional experiences have remained stable over time—suggesting that joy, dignity, and connection endure, even through upheaval.

Peace and Emotions: A Powerful Link

The report draws a clear connection between emotional wellbeing and peace. Worry, anger, and sadness were significantly higher in countries with fragile peace conditions, while positive emotions were more common where institutions are stronger and violence is less prevalent. Emotional trends often mapped closely to the Global Peace Index and Positive Peace Index, reinforcing that peace, health, and emotional stability rise and fall together.

A Call to Global Leaders

The takeaway is clear: leaders must measure and support emotional wellbeing alongside economic and security indicators. The report urges governments to track emotional data as a leading risk signal, integrate peace-building with public health strategies, and recognize emotional wellbeing as foundational infrastructure for stable, thriving societies.