A new multinational study from MetLife reveals a striking “confidence gap”: while most adults describe themselves as resilient, their confidence drops by 72% when faced with real-life setbacks, a press release said.

The Confident Pathways Report, conducted across the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Mexico, was designed to better understand how confidence is built and sustained throughout life. The findings underscore the role of opportunity, preparedness, and support in building confidence, factors that help people navigate uncertainty, recover from setbacks, and pursue their goals.

Commenting on the report, Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, MetLife Bangladesh, said:

“As the world comes together during the ongoing Football World Cup, it is a powerful reminder of how important sports are in shaping the potential of our youth. Sports teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience, qualities that are essential for building confidence in the face of life’s challenges.

In Bangladesh, where a significant proportion of the population is young, investing in early exposure to sports, education, and mentorship is critical. At MetLife Bangladesh, we are committed to helping individuals and families build confidence through greater financial preparedness and access to protection, enabling people to move forward with confidence and realize their full potential.”

For Bangladesh, these insights carry particular significance. Nearly 28% of the population is youth, representing a powerful demographic dividend, while almost 50 million young people aged 10 to 24 will shape the country’s future. This highlights the importance of building resilience and confidence early to fully unlock this potential.

At a time when football is bringing people and communities together globally, the study also underscores how early exposure to sports, education, and mentorship plays a critical role in fostering resilience. Research shows that participation in sports is linked to improved mental well-being and life satisfaction among young people, reinforcing its role in building a more confident generation.

Key Findings from the Study Confidence drops by 72% under real-life pressure

While many respondents describe themselves as resilient, far fewer feel confident in their ability to recover from financial, emotional, or personal setbacks. Early experiences build lasting confidence

Over half of adults who participated in sports as children say it improved their confidence (56%) and persistence (52%), with parents strongly endorsing sports and mentorship programs. Preparedness drives confidence

Adults who take proactive financial steps, such as saving or maintaining life insurance, are 20 times more likely to feel confident in overcoming setbacks.

Support systems remain limited Less than half feel supported by friends (41%) or their community (31%), underscoring the importance of stronger social connections.