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

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/btk5h_v1
• Publication Date: 2025-03-24T20:08:22Z
• Authors: Leonard Konstanti...; Ana Lorena Domíng...; Silvia Schneider; Babett Voigt
• Keywords: Socialization

On average, cultures seem to shift towards a greater emphasis of an independent social orientation. However, this may vary, with some following different trajectories. Cultural transformations also affect the norms regarding qualities favored in children, known as socialization goals. Research suggests that independence have more negative consequences for children's mental health. This study explored links between cohort changes (1989-2022) goal and child anxiety disorder incidence rate across 70 countries. The analysis drew on data from World Value Survey, Global Burden Disease study, Human Development Report, Future Families Child Wellbeing Study. Country-level cross-temporal regression revealed no global effect independence-oriented norms. Moderation analyses showed association among non-Western countries but significantly stronger link orientation disorders Western Globally, interdependence-related religious faith was associated fewer disorders. Validation child-level U.S. replicated finding religiosity were predictor than maternal religiosity. A cross-lagged panel model confirmed potential effects anxiety. Although sizes small, these findings suggest serve protective factor by fostering sense purpose connectedness, globally. highlights role cultural change health underscores need support children growing up increasingly secular societies.