With three major volumes of research on Gen Z and other related studies, we are gaining a clearer and more vibrant portrait of who Gen Z are and how they uniquely contribute to our collective society, their communities and their faith.

Now, once again in partnership with Impact 360 institute, Barna Group has added to its years-long research of this generation with a brand new report: Gen Z Volume 3. Filled with fresh data and insights, this study uncovers how today’s teens and young adults navigate identity, morality, technology and faith.

For leaders, pastors and parents who are in close proximity to Gen Z, here are the five things you need to know about this generation:

1. Gen Z Feel Held Back From Fully Being Themselves Authenticity is an important feature of Gen Z’s self-identification journey. The insecurity and uncertainty of the coming-of-age years, however, can challenge the much-discussed Gen Z persona of being authentic, bold, expressive and accepting. Gen Z in early adulthood (for our study, this is ages 18–24) are nearly twice as likely as Gen Z teens (ages 13–17) to say they have felt held back from being able to authentically express who they are (62% vs. 34%). Female Gen Z are significantly more likely than their male peers to say they have felt held back from authentically expressing themselves (53% vs. 47%). Female Gen Z young adults are the most likely segment to feel “held back” (67%).

2. Gen Z Prioritize Happiness, Stability & Good Health When asked about life goals, only 7 percent of Gen Z respondents indicate that they want to prioritize being in a lasting community, making this the least selected goal in the list. About one-quarter aims to stay near their family (27%), get married (29%) or have children (26%). These relational aspirations are not nearly as frequently selected as things like being happy (65%), being financially stable (53%), having good physical health (48%), having good mental and emotional health (49%) and loving and being confident in themselves (46%). These self-optimizing goals seem fitting to the generation coming of age during an era that has also seen the mainstreaming of destigmatized therapy, self-care methods and personal affirmations.