Although reported
stress levels are actually down from past years, the American Psychological Association's annual survey,
Stress in America, reveals that stress among Americans is so high that it's compromising our physical and mental health. Citing high stress levels, reliance on unhealthy behaviors to manage stress, and alarming physical health consequences of stress, the APA report concludes that we're a nation
"on the verge of a stress-induced public health crisis."Over the past five years, the survey has consistently found a significant percentage of respondents reporting extreme stress, defined as an 8, 9, or 10 on a 10-point scale (22 percent in 2011, 24 percent in 2010 and 2009, 30 percent in 2008, and 32 percent in 2007). Researchers believe that these findings are indicative of a serious trend which could have long-term consequences on people's health.
Here are some of the highlights:
- More adults report that their stress is increasing rather than decreasing; 39 percent of participants said that their stress had increased over the past year, and 44 percent said that their stress had increased over the past five years.
- While most people recognize that stress can negatively impact a person's health and well-being, they don't necessarily take action to prevent stress or manage it well. In addition, a sizeable number of respondents fail to see a direct connection between stress and their own physical and mental health.
- Although more than half of respondents reported that they are doing an excellent or very good job of knowing when they are feeling stressed, only about one quarter report doing an excellent or very good job at preventing stress.
What's Causing Stress in America?
- Money (75 percent), work (70 percent), and the economy (67 percent) are the most frequently noted causes of stress.
- Other significant sources include relationships (58 percent), family responsibilities (57 percent), family health problems (53 percent), personal health concerns (53 percent), job stability (49 percent), housing costs (49 percent) and personal safety (32 percent).
Physical and Emotional Reactions to Stress
- Irritability or anger (42 percent)
- Fatigue (37 percent)
- Lack of interest, motivation or energy (35 percent)
- Headaches (32 percent)
- Upset stomachs (24 percent)
- Change in appetite (17 percent)
- Change in sex drive (11 percent).
Unhealthy Behaviors Due to Stress
- Skiping meals (29 percent)
- Overeating or eating unhealthy foods (39 percent)
- Sleep loss (44 percent)
But there are glimmers of light.
- The mean rating for stress among 2011 study participants dropped from a high of 6.2 in 2007 to a low of 5.2 in 2011 (on a scale of 1 to 10).
- Although adults continue to fall short of their ideal as it relates to how well they think they are managing stress, 2011's findings show some improvement from the previous year. The gap between the importance that participants placed on stress management and their success at managing stress decreased from 32 percent in 2010 to 26 percent in 2011.
- Respondents seem to be exercising more. Those who reported exercising "a few times a week" increased from 36 percent in 2010 to 41 percent in 2011 (although many continue to report obstacles to exercise, particularly lack of motivation and lack of time).
For a full report as well as to see findings from previous years, click on this link, Stress in America.
For more information on combating stress, take a look at the articles related to stress management on my Psychology Today home page.
© 2012 Sherrie Bourg Carter, All Rights Reserved
Follow Dr. Bourg Carter on Facebook and Twitter.
Sherrie Bourg Carter is the author of
High Octane Women: How Superachievers Can Avoid Burnout (Prometheus Books, 2011).
