Young people in Finland are reporting unprecedented levels of stress over employment, education, and the future, according to the latest Youth Barometer 2025. Life satisfaction among people aged 15 to 29 has fallen to its lowest level since the survey began over three decades ago.
The annual survey, conducted by the Finnish Youth Research Society, the State Youth Council, and the Ministry of Education and Culture, gathered responses from 2,312 participants across mainland Finland. The 2025 edition focused on pressures facing youth and was conducted entirely online, marking the first time it was also available in English.
Employment Pressure Dominates
Seven out of ten respondents said they feel pressure to find a job, making employment the leading source of stress. Half reported uncertainty about their chances of obtaining work.
“Employment remains central to how young people see their role in society,” said Konsta Happonen, statistical researcher at the Finnish Youth Research Society.
Participants emphasized that completing a degree no longer guarantees a job, and entering the labor market has become increasingly difficult. Ida Leino, chair of the State Youth Council, noted that this uncertainty affects broader life decisions, including purchasing a home or starting a family.
Educational Stress and Social Pressure
Studies emerged as another major source of stress, with more than half of respondents feeling pressure to complete their education. Many cited stress linked to the expectation of quickly moving from studies to employment.
Despite these pressures, belief in education remains strong: 81 percent of respondents aim to complete a higher education degree, though the number of university applicants exceeds available study places. Social pressures also feature prominently, with over one-third expressing shame at the prospect of failing to complete their degrees.
Declining Life Satisfaction
Overall life satisfaction among Finnish youth has dropped sharply. Only 30 percent rated their satisfaction at nine or ten on a ten-point scale, down from over 50 percent a decade ago. Confidence in their own futures improved slightly compared to last year but remains low, while pessimism about the global future has surged: half of respondents described themselves as pessimistic or very pessimistic about global prospects, compared to 28 percent in 2021.
Concerns About Politics, Environment, and Identity
International political tensions caused significant stress for 60 percent of respondents. Environmental issues, including climate change and biodiversity loss, also weigh heavily on young people, with one-third reporting guilt for not doing enough to protect the planet.
Social pressures extend beyond work and study: roughly half of respondents reported stress about appearance, maintaining social connections, and projecting positivity. Women, especially those aged 20 to 24, reported the highest levels of stress.
The survey also explored identity and diversity. About half of respondents identified with at least one minority group, including sexual, linguistic, or neurodiverse identities. Those experiencing discrimination cited gender expectations, political views, or language as the most common factors.
Expanding the Survey’s Reach
The 2025 Youth Barometer marked the first fully online edition, allowing for more detailed responses and inclusion of participants whose first language is not Finnish or Swedish. Researchers hope the broader reach will help inform policies aimed at supporting young people through rising pressures and uncertainty.
