Global Literacy and Mental Health: New Study from UEA Reveals a Disturbing Trend

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(IN BRIEF) A new study from the University of East Anglia has found that people with poor literacy are more likely to suffer from mental health issues such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The study, which is the first to look at the global picture of literacy and mental health, revealed that 14% of the world’s population has little or no literacy and that this disproportionately affects women, who make up two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population. The research team reviewed data from 19 studies that measured both literacy and mental health in nine countries and involved almost two million participants.

(PRESS RELEASE) NORWICH, 27-Jan-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  University of East Anglia, a public research university based in Norwich, England, announces that a new study from its Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies (CPPT) has found that people with poor literacy are more likely to suffer from mental health issues such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety. The study, which is the first to look at the global picture of literacy and mental health, revealed that 14% of the world’s population has little or no literacy and that this disproportionately affects women, who make up two-thirds of the world’s illiterate population.

The research team reviewed data from 19 studies that measured both literacy and mental health in nine countries (USA, China, Nepal, Thailand, Iran, India, Ghana, Pakistan, and Brazil) and involved almost two million participants. The study, entitled “Literacy and Mental Health Across the Globe: A Systematic Review,” was published in the journal Mental Health and Social Inclusion.

Dr Bonnie Teague from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “Despite rising literacy rates over the past 50 years, there are still an estimated 773 million adults globally who can’t read or write. Literacy rates are lower in developing countries and those with a history of conflict, and women are disproportionately affected.

“We know that people with better literacy tend to have better social outcomes in terms of things like finding employment, being paid well, and being able to afford better food and housing. Not being able to read or write holds a person back throughout their life and they often become trapped in poverty or more likely to commit crime.

“We also know that lower literacy is related to poorer health, chronic diseases and shorter life expectancy.

“There has been some research examining the potential association between literacy and mental health but this is the first study looking at the issue on a global scale.”

Dr Lucy Hunn completed this systematic review as part of her Doctorate in clinical psychology training at UEA. She said: “We used information relating to mental health and literacy to assess the global reported relationship between these two factors.

“What we found is a significant association between literacy and mental health outcomes across multiple countries.

“People with lower literacy had greater mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression.

“We can’t say for sure that poor literacy causes poor mental health, but there is a strong association.

“There may be multiple factors impacting on mental health which also impact literacy – such as poverty or living in an area with a history of conflict. However, what the data does show is that even in these places, you still see worse mental health for those without literacy skills.

“This work highlights the importance of mental health services being aware of and supporting literacy,” she added.

Literacy and Mental Health Across the Globe: A Systematic Review is published in the journal Mental Health and Social Inclusion.

SOURCE: University of East Anglia