Global Cultural Change and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Analyzing Socialization Goals Over Three Decades in 70 Countries

On average, cultures seem to shift towards a greater emphasis of an independent social orientation. However, this shift may vary, with some cultures following different trajectories. Cultural transformations also affect the norms regarding the qualities favored in children, known as socialization goals. Research suggests that a greater shift towards independence may have more negative consequences for child and adolescent mental health. This study explored links between time period changes (1989-2022) in socialization goal norms and the child and adolescent anxiety disorder incidence rates across 70 countries. The analysis drew on data from the World Value Survey, Global Burden of Disease study, Human Development Report, and Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Country-level cross-temporal regression revealed no global effect of independence-oriented socialization norms. Moderation analyses showed no association among non-WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) countries but a significantly stronger link between independence orientation and more anxiety disorders among WEIRD countries. Globally, more emphasis on the interdependence-related goal "religious faith" was associated with fewer anxiety disorders across time. Validation analyses with individual-level data from the United States replicated this finding and showed that religiosity norms were a stronger predictor than maternal religiosity. A cross-lagged panel model confirmed potential effects from religiosity to child and adolescent anxiety. Although effect sizes were small, these findings suggest that religiosity may serve as a protective factor by fostering a sense of purpose and social connectedness, globally. This study highlights the potential role of cultural change in children's and adolescent's mental health and underscores the need for greater support for young people growing up in increasingly secular societies. SUMMARY: This study tested links between cultural changes in socialization goals and anxiety disorder incidence rates among children and adolescents over three decades. Independence-related socialization goal norms were not globally linked to anxiety disorders, but their adverse effect appeared specific to WEIRD countries. The importance of religious faith in socialization, linked to interdependence, was associated with fewer anxiety disorders across 70 countries. Religiosity norms were also related to child and adolescent anxiety symptoms on individual level and showed expected directional effects.