Stress in America – On the Rise –
The American Psychological Association recently completed its national survey on stress in America. Stress in America for adults is on the rise!
I will review below a selection of reported percentages from the 2015 survey (published in 2016).
1) Younger people are more stressed; Xers and Millennials report experiencing greater stress than older Americans do.
2) LGBT people report experiencing much higher stress levels than non-LGBT people do
3) Excessive alcohol use during adolescence may increase hormonal-based stress reactivity in adulthood (Monitor on Psychology (September, 2016). Also, college level alcohol interventions over the past 25 years have been found to be largely ineffective for members of sororities and fraternities (Monitor on Psychology, September, 2016). Marijuana continues to be used as self-mediation for stress.
Some overall averages are noted below.
4) 66% report stressful experiences related to finances and workplace realities.
5) 53% report stressful experiences related to family matters.
6) 51% report stressful experience related to personal health concerns, and 51% family health concerns.
7) 50% report stressful experience related to the general economy.
8) 48% report stressful experience related to housing costs.
9) 47% report stressful experience related to relationships – family and other.
10) 38% report stressful experience related to job stability/instability.
11) 30% report stressful experience related to personal safety.
12) 21% report stressful experience related to discrimination.
13) Mental health issues were significant, and all at higher percentages than the prior year’s survey:
47% lost patience with significant others; 42% were anxious; 37% depressed; 37% angry; 33% worrying.
14) The following coping mechanisms were reported: music (46%); exercise/walking (43%); online
interactions (40%); TV/Movies (39%); friends and family (35%); reading (35%); praying (30%);
hobbies (32%). NOTE the absence of what works to reduce stress: mindfulness, meditation, yoga.
15) Between 41-54% sought psychological help with their stress reactions.
For more information go to The American Psychological Association site and search for Stress in America.
By Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC
From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont
Author of Mindful Happiness
