Prevalence of wellbeing among young adults in South Asia: evidence from Punjab, Pakistan

Wellbeing of young adults is hardly explored in South Asian countries including Pakistan. This study aims to assess prevalence of wellbeing among Pakistani young adults using a descriptive survey research design and mixed methodology for data collection. Wellbeing was assessed across a proportionate stratified sample (N = 1563) derived from five cities representing Punjab province. Eight domains of wellbeing were explored using Holistic Scale for Wellbeing: overall wellbeing, purpose, psychological health, vitality and satisfaction, physical health, finances, relationships, religiosity and spirituality. Wellbeing trends were explored with respect to city, age, gender, educational year, family size, parental education, parental absence, living arrangement, relationship status, major problems and types of problems. Descriptive and inferential results are presented including t test, MANOVA, and graphs. Main findings showed that overall wellbeing was highest for Gujranwala city; wellbeing increased with age; young males had slightly higher wellbeing; financial wellbeing increased if mother was highly educated (16 years); sense of purpose was higher if father’s education was low (≤ 10 years); wellbeing was negatively impacted when young adults did not live with family, at hostel or relatives house; all aspects of wellbeing were disturbed when youth faced major problems; experiencing more than one problem decreased wellbeing levels. This study fulfills the gap regarding prevalence of wellbeing in Pakistani youth and can be replicated in other South Asian countries. Youth related policies and development programs need to focus on cities with low wellbeing rates, females, younger adults, youth with uneducated parents, and youth facing life challenges. It offers a baseline for youth projects by government and non-government organizations, educational institutions, psychologists, and policy makers.