BACKGROUND: The demographic shift driven by the aging Baby Boomer cohort represents a substantial burden for our healthcare system. The aim of this study is to analyze the basic demographic characteristics, regional disparities, healthcare utilization, and the causes of death of the German Baby Boomer generation. METHODS: The German Baby Boomer generation, defined as those born between 1955 and 1969 was analysed. Information on population statistics, hospital statistics, and causes of death statistics was obtained from the German Federal Statistical Office. Global and local spatial autocorrelation were analysed using global Moran’s I and Getis-Ord-Gi* statistics. RESULTS: At the end of the Baby Boomers’ birth period, the registered resident population in Germany born between 1955 and 1969 was 18.20 million. Most Baby Boomers live in cities, metropolitan areas or in North Rhine-Westphalia, eastern Germany, and Baden-Württemberg. The relative share of the population clearly shows a statistically significant unequal distribution, specifically an urban-rural divide and an east-west divide: Baby Boomers are particularly well represented in eastern Germany and in rural regions of western Germany. Between 2010 and 2024, the proportion of Baby Boomers among inpatient hospital treatments increased markedly, from 16% to 28% in men and from 15% to 21% in women. In 2024, circulatory, musculoskeletal, and neoplastic diseases were the most common primary diagnoses. Between 1984 and 2024, deaths among Baby Boomers rose substantially from 1.6% to 16% of all deaths. This increase was accompanied by a shift from predominantly external causes of death to neoplasms and cardiovascular diseases, while mortality from infectious diseases, largely driven by HIV in the 1990s, declined markedly by 2024. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the Baby Boomer cohort, a disproportionately high demand for healthcare services and social resources may be expected. Our findings highlight the need for regionally tailored, gender sensitive and migration aware planning of healthcare resources. These challenges must be carefully addressed in future health policy planning, with particular attention to the urban-rural disparities.
Fresh sources of suffering arise as the mostly successful and affluent Indian immigrants face late middle age, empty nest, retirement, death of peers, and getting old. Having actualized the dreams of professional and financial success does bring them contentment, but with a gnawing sense of renewed geocultural dislocation. Bodily changes, diminished sexuality, letting go of children, lack of familiarity with the prevalent normative patterns of parenting adult offspring and engaging with grandchildren, losing friends "back home" to illness and death, and getting old themselves in their adapted homeland leads them to experience "mental pain" and "disorienting anxiety." These can turn into "depletion melancholia." This paper describes the syndrome, the desperate defenses against it, and the possibility of thwarting it by the powers of creative sublimation and reparation offered to the good internal objects damaged by the process of immigration.
Emergency medicine conferences play a pivotal role in advancing clinical knowledge, fostering professional networks, and improving patient outcomes. However, traditional large-scale formats face challenges in ensuring diversity, inclusivity, and participant engagement. This study investigates the effect of different medical conference experiences - traditional versus interactive - on the overall experience ratings of 143 healthcare professionals. The research also examines how professional role, experience level, and primary motivation for attendance influence these ratings. This study aims to assess the impact of alternative conference formats on engagement, inclusivity, and knowledge dissemination, with the goal of informing strategies to design more equitable and impactful emergency medicine conferences. Data were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a paired-samples t-test. The findings indicate a statistically significant preference for interactive sessions over traditional ones across the entire sample (M=4.06 vs. M=3.75, p<.001). This preference was particularly strong among participants motivated by networking. However, the study also revealed a nuanced relationship between professional experience and satisfaction, with late-career professionals (20+ years) rating their overall experience significantly lower than their less-experienced counterparts. The consistently high ratings for hands-on workshops across all groups highlight their universal value. These results suggest that tailoring conference content to meet the diverse needs of attendees, especially by incorporating more interactive and applied learning opportunities, can significantly enhance engagement and satisfaction. The results revealed generational differences in satisfaction between "Millennials" and " Generation X" suggesting that future conferences should be tailored to diverse audience needs. Ultimately, the findings provide strong evidence that prioritizing interactive, applied learning can significantly boost engagement and knowledge retention.
Background How mental and physical attributes differ between doctors of different generations and specialities is undetermined. We aimed to compare how resilience, mental toughness, physical activity levels, and career satisfaction vary between medical professionals of different generations, specialities, career stages, practice settings, and genders. Methodology This was an electronic survey study that compared the Brief Resilience Score (maximum six points), Mental Toughness Index (maximum 56 points), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and career satisfaction (0-100 scale) between doctors and medical students at two affiliated teaching hospitals. All data are presented as median (interquartile range). Results In total, 289 medics responded. Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) (4.2 (3.7, 4.8)) were more resilient than Generation Z (born 1997-2012) (3.8 (3.2, 4.0), p=0.0007), Millennials (born 1981-1996) (3.8 (3.3, 4.2), p=0.0091), and Generation X (born 1965-1980) (4.0 (3.5, 4.2), p = 0.0354). Generation Z (42 (39, 46)) were less mentally tough than Millennials (44 (41, 47), p=0.0330), Generation X (46 (41, 48), p=0.0062), and Baby Boomers (46 (43, 52), p=0.0005). Millennials were less mentally tough than Baby Boomers (p=0.0199). Generation Z were more physically active than Generation X (1,822 (1,052, 3,662) vs. 1,542 (777, 2,586), p=0.0383). Generation Z had lower career satisfaction than Millennials (73 (58, 80) vs. 80 (70, 89), p=0.0094), Generation X (85 (75, 90), p<0.0001), and Baby Boomers (90 (85, 94), p<0.0001). Millennials had lower career satisfaction than Generation X (p=0.0291) and Baby Boomers (p=0.0014), respectively. Medical students were less resilient than consultants(3.7 (3.2, 4.0) vs. 4.0 (3.5, 4.2), p=0.0193). Medical students (41 (38, 47)) and interns (42 (38, 45)) had lower mental toughness than both senior trainees (46.0 (41, 49), p=0.0096 and p=0.0022, respectively) and consultants (46 (41, 48), p=0.0022 and p=0.0005, respectively). Medical students (2,224 (1,370, 4,760) had higher physical activity levels (as defined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form score) than junior trainees (1,386 (731, 2,656), p=0.0038), senior trainees (1,395 (1,065, 3,034), p=0.0327), and consultants (1,533 (820, 2,546), p=0.0017). Career satisfaction increased with career stage (Spearman's (r=0.3219, 95% CI=0.2075-0.4277, p<0.001). Physician trainees were more satisfied with their careers (as per self-rated 0-100 satisfaction scale) than trainees of "other" (non-physician/non-surgical) specialities (80 (72, 90) vs. 75 (40, 80), p=0.0090). Consultant surgeons (4.2 (4.0, 4.5) and 48 (46, 53)) were more resilient and mentally tougher than consultant physicians (3.8 (3.3, 4.0) and 44 (39, 48), p=0.0002 and p=0.0003, respectively) and consultants of other specialities (3.8 (3.3, 4.2) and 44 (41, 47), p=0.0004 and p<0.0001, respectively). Consultants who worked in both private and public hospitals had greater mental toughness (47 (43, 51) vs. 44 (41, 47), p=0.0153) and career satisfaction (86 (80, 90) vs. 80 (70, 90), p=0.0053) than consultants who worked exclusively in public hospitals. Conclusions The present study found that self-reported resilience and mental toughness were the greatest among the Baby Boomers, and declined with subsequent generations. Among consultants, surgeons had the highest resilience and mental toughness scores. Career satisfaction increased with career stage.
Work-life balance has emerged as a central theme in modern medicine, particularly in radiology, where high burnout rates underscore the urgency for systemic change. This narrative review explores how perceptions of work-life balance vary across generations-Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z-and how these differences shape workplace expectations and cultural evolution within healthcare. Baby Boomers often view medicine as a vocation requiring sacrifice and long hours, while Gen X emphasises flexibility and independence. Millennials prioritise purpose, inclusivity, and work-life integration, favouring fluid schedules and value-driven environments. Gen Z, as digital natives, seeks ethical workplaces, diversity, and clearly defined personal-professional boundaries. That paper started from a dedicated session at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2025, combining literature references with reflections on evolving professional values. It highlights that while generational perspectives differ, common ground exists: across all groups, well-being, fulfilment, and supportive workplace structures are increasingly seen as essential rather than optional. The paper emphasises the importance of adapting institutional policies to accommodate generational needs through flexible scheduling, mentorship, protected time, and inclusive leadership. Ultimately, we aim for the embracing of intergenerational collaboration and recognition of the diverse definitions of professional success, which are key to building resilient radiology teams. Sustainable solutions must move beyond one-size-fits-all models to foster innovation, prevent burnout, and retain talent across all career stages. It is also calling for healthcare institutions to proactively integrate these perspectives to shape a more supportive and effective professional culture. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This paper offers a narrative overview of generational perspectives on work-life balance in radiology, highlighting both shared values and evolving priorities across age groups KEY POINTS: Burnout remains a widespread issue in radiology, with high prevalence across all career stages, emphasising the need for systemic solutions rather than individual resilience alone. Generational views on work-life balance vary: Boomers value duty, Millennials seek purpose and flexibility, while Gen Z demands ethics, diversity, and personal sustainability. Intergenerational collaboration and adaptability are essential for building resilient teams, requiring healthcare institutions to embrace diverse expectations and implement inclusive, flexible work models.
Following increased mothers' employment since the later 20th century, the majority of U.S. mothers now experience employment with children under age three. Most use nonparental childcare (NPC) while employed. NPC can include care provided in childcare centers and preschools, as well as by nannies, babysitters and relatives, and in family childcare homes. Changes since the 1980s to care costs and availability, labor market conditions, family structures, and public assistance policies may result in differences in the predictive relationship between NPC use and employment among late-20th vs. early-21st century mothers. I use National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 ("Baby-Boomers") and 1997 ("Millennials") data to compare monthly likelihood of full-time employment, part-time employment, and employment exit-and how NPC use differently affects these-among mothers of children under three. A hybrid model including within-person and between-person components compares women to themselves at different points in time when they are employed either with or without NPC. NPC use increases full-time employment, and employment stability, for mothers in both cohorts. However, Millennials use NPC more than Baby-Boomers. Furthermore, NPC increases the likelihood of maintaining full-time employment, and transitioning from part-time to full-time employment, by larger magnitudes for Millennials than for Baby-Boomers. Supplementary descriptive analyses show changed care types, increased care costs, and increased nonstandard employment, all of which may contribute to this cross-cohort difference. Results demonstrate how NPC plays a key role in supporting employment within individual women's life courses, and how these effects may differ across different social and historical settings.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Violence in hospital emergency rooms (ERs) presents serious risks to patient safety and healthcare workers. While prior research has focused on organizational risk factors, limited attention has been given to how the public interprets and accepts violent behavior, particularly across different generations. This study examined generational differences in perceptions and acceptance of violent behavior in hospital ERs in Thailand. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 615 residents living in communities surrounding seven hospitals. Respondents were classified into four generational cohorts: Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests to examine severity classifications, and multiple regression analysis with dummy-coded generational variables (Baby Boomers as reference group) to examine the association between each generational cohort and acceptance of violence. Bias-corrected bootstrapping was employed to validate confidence intervals for all estimates. RESULTS: Chi-square results indicated significant generational differences in how violence is defined; younger cohorts were more likely to label only physical assault as violence, while overlooking verbal aggression. Multiple regression analysis indicated that, relative to Baby Boomers (reference group), Generation Z (B = 0.263, β = 0.187, p = .019) and Millennials (B = 0.230, β = 0.155, p = .045) were significantly associated with higher acceptance of violent behavior in ERs, while Generation X did not differ significantly (B = 0.100, β = 0.062, p = .393). Overall model: F(3, 611) = 3.075, p = .027, R² = 0.015. CONCLUSIONS: Generational background is significantly associated with differences in how individuals interpret and accept aggression in hospitals. Current Zero Tolerance policies may have limited effectiveness because younger demographics do not perceive verbal aggression as a violation. Prevention strategies may benefit from explicitly defining and prohibiting non-physical violence to align with the interpretive frameworks of younger generations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
Middle age is a key life course period for targeting modifiable risk factors for late-life cognitive decline. Although the prevalence of chronic conditions that are risk factors for cognitive impairment has increased in middle-aged adults since the 1990s, little is known about corresponding trends in cognitive trajectories and incidence of cognitive impairment. We conducted a cohort study of 7,852 participants ages 50-56 enrolled from 1998-2010 in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) without cognitive impairment at baseline. Participants were followed biennially to examine cognitive trajectories and new-onset cognitive impairment by age 65, based on the HRS cognitive test battery. We used mixed effects models to examine change in cognitive scores and Cox regression models to compare incidence of cognitive impairment no dementia (CIND) across three birth cohorts (1942-1947, "War Babies"; 1948-1953, "Early Baby Boomers"; 1954-1959, "Mid Baby Boomers"). Mid Boomers had lower baseline cognitive scores compared to earlier cohorts but a slower rate of cognitive decline. Hazards of CIND were higher among White Early and Mid Boomers compared to War Babies in the first half of follow-up, but lower in the second half. In both trajectory and incidence analyses, those with lower educational attainment and racial/ethnic minorities were at higher risk for worse cognitive outcomes. Findings show mixed trends in cognitive outcomes among middle-aged Americans. Overall, Mid Boomers had lower baseline cognitive scores but slower decline compared to earlier cohorts. However, disparities in cognitive outcomes persisted among those with lower educational attainment and racial/ethnic minorities.
This qualitative research explored the underresearched area of subjective meaning(s) of travel for U.K. baby-boomers, from an occupational perspective. Using a descriptive phenomenology, a convenience sample of eight baby-boomers was recruited using social media. Participants took part in semistructured interviews, and narratives were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were generated: (a) travel is important to me, (b) travel changes through time, (c) travel facilitators and barriers and (d) travel as a shared experience. Participants perceived travel as a meaningful and health-promoting occupation that represented freedom, choice, independence, connection and achievement. Greater comfort was sought with age while financial constraints and deteriorating health were considered barriers to travel. The therapeutic value of travel as a meaningful occupation should not be underestimated. Travel providers might consider providing meaningful, accessible and desired travel opportunities for this cohort while examining their potential economic benefits to society. Why Travel Matters to Baby-BoomersUsing interviews, this research explored the understudied experiences and meaning eight baby-boomers associated with travel. Baby boomer refers to a generation born between 1946 and 1964. Travel was largely linked with holidays/vacations and considered a symbol of life. It was viewed as a health promoting, meaningful activity providing memories, opportunities for connection and personal development. Travel preferences changed over time, while finances and health presented barriers to travel. Findings are in-depth and may be applicable to older people, although using social media may have excluded others from taking part in the research. For occupational therapists, this research highlights the importance of benefits of travel and proposes future research to promote accessible and meaningful travel. It also encourages research into social and economic differences and the potential economic benefits the baby-boomer generation can contribute to wider society through engaging in travel.
As communication technology advances and the digital divide grows, a deeper understanding of the influence of different information sources on vaccine uptake by generations can inform targeted public health interventions in times of future crisis. While the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the role of media sources on the decision to receive vaccines, no studies have focused on the impact of the type and number of information sources in a population-based sample in California. In this study, we examined associations between Californians' self-reported most relied upon COVID-19 information sources, categorized by type and measured as a count, and their COVID-19 vaccination status using data collected from the 2022 California Health Interview Survey. To address differences in information preferences and vaccine uptake by age, we also tested for potential effect modification of the relationship between relied upon COVID-19 information sources and vaccination status by generational membership (eg, Generation Z, millennials, Generation X, baby boomers, and Silent Generation). We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2022 California Health Interview Survey. Vaccine status (any or none) was modeled as a function of information sources (or count) controlling for important sociodemographic and health confounding variables. Interaction terms of information sources (or count) by generational status were added to the models to test effect modification, and if significant, the models were stratified by generation. All analysis was survey-weighted to account for the complex survey sampling design. Compared to relying on traditional news media for COVID-19 information, relying on word of mouth (odds ratio [OR] 0.6), social media (OR 0.62), and doctors (OR 0.41) for COVID-19 information was associated with lower odds of being vaccinated for COVID-19. A dose-response relationship was identified, with each additional information source associated with 9% higher odds of being vaccinated for COVID-19. In stratified models, social media, compared to traditional news media, was associated with lower odds of vaccination for Generation X, baby boomers, and the Silent Generation. Health information preferences, especially for traditional news media, are associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and the information sources differ by generation. These findings provide information for stakeholders interested in vaccine hesitancy, health informatics, messaging strategies, health literacy, and future health information outreach programs during epidemics or pandemics. Dissemination of public health information should include multiple information sources to reach all individual preferences across different generations.
Underpinned by the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this study examines the effectiveness of generational classifications in predicting work engagement, challenging the assumption that birth cohorts determine professional behavior. Using a quantitative research approach with a descriptive, cross-sectional design, the study targeted the broad population of active professionals across the Spanish labor market. A final sample of 339 participants (comprising Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z) was selected via non-probabilistic snowball sampling. Primary data were collected using an online questionnaire incorporating the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17). The results revealed significant differences in the vigor dimension with Baby Boomers scoring higher. Yet they also showed that sociodemographic variables (such as employment status) were more predictive than generational membership. In theoretical terms, this study contributes to the field by demonstrating that the resource-accumulation perspective of the JD-R model is a more effective explanatory framework than "generational determinism." Empirically, the study provides evidence from the Spanish context that organizational HR strategies should prioritize individual life stages and resource management over broad generational stereotypes.
Although life course research has shown that childhood stressors can exert long-term effects into older adulthood, few studies have explored alternative ways of measuring stressors across childhood and adulthood, or tested their invariance across birth cohorts. This study examined birth cohort differences in the relationships between childhood and adulthood stressors and later-life cognitive function. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (N=10,757; age: 50-85), we conducted parallel analyses across three birth cohorts: War Babies (1942-1947), Early Baby Boomers (1948-1953) and Mid Baby Boomers (1954-1959). We estimated a series of nested linear regression models for each cohort, and further evaluated how different types of stressors impact cognitive function across birth cohorts. Greater childhood stressors predicted worse cognitive function among Early Baby Boomer cohort only. Upon examination of the individual stressor categories, higher levels of adult financial stressors were significantly associated with lower cognitive function within all three birth cohorts. In addition to adult financial stressors, greater childhood financial stressors were related to worse cognitive function for the Early Baby Boomer cohort, and greater relational stressors predicted worse cognitive function for the Mid Baby Boomer cohort. Findings highlight birth cohort differences in the effects of childhood and adulthood stressors on cognitive function, possibly underscoring variations in sociocultural and resilience factors unique to each cohort.
General practice nurses (GPNs) work with a varied scope of practice alongside general medical practitioners. The aim of this study is to identify generational differences among GPNs in work satisfaction, intention to stay and the pursuit of further education. Data from 1427 GPNs were obtained from the 2023 cross-sectional Australian Primary Health Care Nurses' Association Workforce Survey. Data were stratified by three generational age groups: Veterans/ Baby Boomers, Generation (Gen) X and Gen Y/Z. Nurses from all three age groups reported overall satisfaction with their current positions. Gen X and Gen Y/Z were more highly educated and more likely to seek further education and to remain in general practice over the next 5 years when compared with Veterans/Baby Boomers. In light of recent federal directives for primary care, these results provide information for policy directions that may encourage younger nurses to stay in general practice and increase interdisciplinary care.
This study aims to determine the level of digital use across six generations (Greatest, Silent, Baby Boomers, and Generations X, Y and Z) within a district in North East England (population ~200,000). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted via an online and paper-based survey from February to May 2022, mailed to households in the district (N = 98,260). Respondents estimated their weekly use of digital tools and the internet at home. One-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer HSD tests were used to analyse differences in digital resource uses across six generations. To account for underlying sociodemographic characteristics, a follow-up ANCOVA analysis was also performed. Content Analysis was used for qualitative responses from an open-ended survey question. A total of 9,181 completed surveys were analysed. The sample was skewed towards older, homeowner adults (mean age 63, 60% female). Findings revealed that respondents spend less time online than other British cohorts. Baby Boomers and Generation X self-reported statistically significant differences in the level of digital use compared to all other generations. Younger generations (Y and Z) self-reported, on average, a larger amount of time spent on both digital tools and the internet. Members of Greatest and Silent Generations had the lowest hours spent on digital tools and the internet. The results suggest that public health initiatives should prioritise strategies bridging the digital divide between generations. Targeted training programs pairing younger, tech-savvy individuals with older adults could enhance digital literacy. Additionally, integrating user-friendly digital health platforms that cater to varying levels of technological proficiency will encourage wider adoption. These strategies not only foster intergenerational collaboration but also drive successful digital health and care transformations, ensuring equitable access to technological advancements for all age groups.
The onset of youth suicidal ideation and behaviour is a critical predictor of future mental health. This study examines generational differences in the prevalence and age of onset for suicidal ideation, plans, self-harm, and suicide attempts by age 25 in a nationally representative Australian cohort. A retrospective analysis using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-22. Respondents were grouped into Generation Z (16-25 years), Millennials (26-41 years), Generation X (42-57 years), and Baby Boomers (58-76 years). Cox proportional hazards models assessed the impact of demographic, childhood adversities, and mental health factors across generations. Of the 14,753 respondents, 16.1% were Generation Z, 31.3% Millennials, and around one-quarter were from either Generation X or the Baby Boomer generation. Generation Z had the highest hazards for youth suicidal ideation, planning, self-harm, and suicide attempts, with the youngest age of onset. Adverse childhood experiences and lifetime mental health diagnoses were consistent risk factors across generations, but generational differences in their impact were evident. Sexual abuse before 19 was less strongly associated with earlier onset in Generation Z, while witnessing parental violence and exposure to suicide in others had stronger associations with younger onset in Generation Z. Mental disorders were linked to earlier onset, particularly in Baby Boomers. Generational differences in the prevalence and age of onset of suicidal ideation and behaviours in Australia are evident, emphasising the need for a tailored, multi-sectorial suicide prevention strategy to address these evolving risks.
Objectives. To characterize burnout among state and local governmental public health workers and identify implications for public health workforce capacity and sustainability. Methods. We analyzed 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) data to assess self-reported burnout and generational differences among US state and local employees. Results. At least 1 symptom of burnout was reported by 71% of respondents. However, burnout was most prominent among Generation Z and Millennials, with 17% and 19% reporting persistent symptoms and 4% and 5% reporting complete burnout, respectively; 10% of Baby Boomers reported persistent symptoms and 1% reported complete burnout. A Rao-Scott adjusted χ2 test showed that the association between burnout and generation was significant, F (7.6, 6674.4) = 89.7, P < .001. Conclusions. High rates of burnout across the PH WINS respondents indicate a systemwide issue. However, higher burnout rates among younger workers highlight the need for targeted interventions and institutionalized changes to support the workforce going forward. Public Health Implications. Systemwide, sustained worker well-being improvements are essential to maintaining a thriving public health workforce, especially as younger generations continue to move into the workforce. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 18, 2026:e1-e4. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2026.308562).
Skin cancer remains a major public health concern, and White individuals carry the highest lifetime risk and mortality. Ultraviolet exposure and sunburn are well-established skin cancer risk factors, yet regular sunscreen use remains low among U.S. adults. Few studies have assessed barriers to sunscreen use in the U.S., and prior studies are often geographically or demographically limited, restricting comparability among subgroups. A cross-sectional online panel survey of White U.S. adults (N=739) was developed and administered. Participants selected all personally relevant barriers, followed by their top barrier. Descriptive statistics summarized perceived barriers to sunscreen use. Separate multivariable logistic regression models explored the associations between demographic characteristics and barrier endorsement. Overall, 20.3% of participants reported no barriers. The most commonly endorsed barriers were forgetting to bring or apply sunscreen (52.1%), disliking the feel or smell (24.2%), cost (21.7%), inconvenience (20.3%), preference for being tanned (14.1%), and difficulty in selecting an appropriate sunscreen (12.6%). Younger cohorts had greater odds of reporting at least 1 barrier than baby boomers. Generational differences were observed for forgetfulness, inconvenience, product selection, and tanning preference. Men had lower odds of endorsing a preference for being tanned than women. Skin phototype was associated with differences in cost, tanning preference, forgetfulness, and product selection. Differences in barriers were also observed for marital status, education, and income. Findings support audience-segmented approaches to improve sunscreen use by gender, generation, skin phototype, and socioeconomic factors. Individual-level strategies include integrating sunscreen into daily routines and using cues to action to support bringing, applying, and reapplying sunscreen. Multilevel approaches that shift tanning norms, improve product acceptability, strengthen product selection guidance, and reduce cost may further reduce barriers and support sustained use.
This study explores temporal patterns in racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in health among US women. While prior research has shown that socioeconomic gains often yield smaller health benefits for racially marginalized populations, less is known about how these patterns vary across historical periods, age groups, and birth cohorts. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey 1978-2018 (N = 1,416,652), we examine how education, income, and employment status are linked to self-rated health across intersecting time dimensions. We find that health returns of socioeconomic resources tend to peak in midlife and are particularly limited for women racialized as Black and American Indian/Alaska Native. For example, among middle-aged women, self-rated health is higher for those living above the poverty threshold than those living below it, with larger differences for women racialized as White (3.77 vs. 3.15) than for women racialized as Black (3.43 vs. 3.05) or American Indian/Alaska Native (3.42 vs. 3.00). Over time, sociopolitical shifts appear to benefit women racialized as White more than women racialized as Black, with larger health advantages associated with socioeconomic resources under both Democratic (e.g., Carter: 3.70 vs. 3.33; Obama: 3.80 vs. 3.54) and Republican (e.g., Reagan: 3.81 vs. 3.44; Trump: 3.79 vs. 3.55) administrations. Across successive birth cohorts, health differences associated with socioeconomic resources have narrowed, with smaller gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged groups in income, education, and employment among Millennials than among Baby Boomers. These findings highlight the importance of historical and social context in shaping health disparities.
The ubiquity of social technologies in daily life has intensified concerns about their psychological impact. Emerging evidence points to the quality of engagement and the psychological processes that social media use activates. This study examined these processes in a nationally representative sample of 1,707 adults aged 16-75 (M = 44.5, SD = 14.8), 50.40% females. Objective screen-time verification was complemented with validated self-report questionnaires measuring anxiety and depression symptomatology, anger reactions and displaced aggression, social comparison, and maladaptive emotion regulation. Data were analyzed using correlation analyses, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and path analysis. Findings revealed consistent gender differences: women spent more time online and reported higher levels of social comparison and maladaptive regulation strategies. Cohort analyses showed Generation Z to be most vulnerable, scoring highest on social comparison, maladaptive strategies such as rumination and catastrophizing, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger, whereas Boomers consistently reported the lowest levels. Our work also shows that mental health indicators such as anxiety, depression, and anger are more strongly associated with social media time when higher use co-occurs with greater social comparison and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. These findings are interpreted considering emerging work on digital emotion regulation, suggesting that the quality of engagement may be more relevant than sheer time online. The present work refines the ongoing debate on screen time, underscoring the importance of fostering emotional regulation to promote healthier and more adaptive engagement in today's hyperconnected digital world.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of death salience on perceived responsibility toward future generations and pro-environmental attitudes across generations. Using a sample of 1243 participants from Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and Silent Generation, an experimental manipulation of death salience resulted in lowered responsibility toward future generations among participants in the death salience condition compared with the control condition. Generation Z had a lower perceived responsibility toward future generations than Generation X and Baby Boomers. Silent Generation had lower pro-environmental attitudes than Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation X. Baby Boomers had lower pro-environmental attitudes than Generation Z and Millennials. The interaction between death salience and generation showed no significant effect on the dependent variables. These findings suggest that leveraging responsibility toward future generations for climate action is promising, but making death salient may undermine this approach.