The current economy crisis has led to a sharp rise in stress levels, so suggests the results of a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Results of the APA’s Annual Stress in America Survey conducted in September revealed that 80% of Americans say that the economy is a significant source of stress, compared with 66% back in April. With more than half of those surveyed saying that they are increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for their family’s basic needs. Unsurprisingly, money is the biggest source of stress (81%), closely followed by the economy (80%), work (67%), and family health problems (67%). Women reported higher levels of stress than men in every category.
More people reported stress-related physical and emotional symptoms – such as stress-related fatigue, feelings of irritability or anger, and lying awake at night – this year than they did in a survey conducted in 2007, and 47% said that their stress levels had increased over the last 12-months.
Many of those surveyed said they used healthy coping strategies, such as exercise and listening to music, to deal with stress. However, 48% of people said they overeat or choose unhealthy food, whilst 18% turn to alcohol, and 16% smoke.
“Stress over money and the economy is taking an emotional and physical toll on America, especially among women,” says Katherine Nordal, PhD, the APA’s executive director for professional practice, in a news release. “If Americans continue to experience these high levels of stress for prolonged periods of time, they are at risk for developing serious illnesses.”
News release: APA poll finds women bear brunt of nation’s stress, financial downturn. American Psychological Association. APA Online. October 7th 2008.
