Teen Girls Speak Out: Study Reveals Their Views on Rising Anxiety and Low Mood

MANCHESTER, UK – A new study published in BMC Women’s Health has given voice to teenage girls in England, revealing their perspectives on the increasing rates of low mood and anxiety within their demographic. The research, led by Dr. Ola Demkowicz of the University of Manchester, directly engaged with girls aged 16-18 to understand the complex factors contributing to this growing public health concern.

The study found that many girls perceive low mood and anxiety as “normal” for their age group, particularly for their generation. They identified several interconnected elements driving these feelings:

• Gendered Expectations: From a young age, girls face relentless pressure to conform to rigid stereotypes concerning appearance and behavior. This includes expectations of being quiet, polite, and adhering to narrow beauty standards, fostering insecurity and feelings of inadequacy.
• Educational Pressures: The girls reported intense academic pressure to achieve top grades and maintain perfect behavior, leaving little room for error. They felt this pressure was potentially amplified for girls, who often feel an added expectation to excel.
• Peer Relationships: Challenges within friendships, including comparison, competition, and conflict, significantly contribute to stress and diminished self-esteem.
• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok were identified as major contributors to insecurity, promoting unrealistic standards of appearance and achievement, and facilitating excessive comparison that can be difficult to navigate.

The researchers emphasized the intricate and interwoven nature of these issues, highlighting the absence of simple solutions. Participants cautioned against oversimplification, stressing the importance of considering individual differences and social contexts.

“The insights we gained through exploration with girls themselves hold policy and practical relevance to enhance systems to meet girls’ needs. Our study suggests a need for schools and communities to challenge gender stereotypes, address academic pressures, support healthy peer relationships and promote responsible social media engagement,” said Dr. Ola Demkowicz.

The study underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to address the rising rates of low mood and anxiety among adolescent girls, focusing on creating supportive environments that challenge harmful stereotypes and promote well-being.

More information: Ola Demkowicz et al, Adolescent girls’ explanations of high rates of low mood and anxiety in their population: a co-produced qualitative study, BMC Women’s Health (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03517-x

Disclaimer: This news article is based on the provided information and should not be taken as medical advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing low mood or anxiety, please seek professional help. The views expressed by the study participants do not necessarily reflect the views of this news outlet.