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| For Mental Health Information |
On February 7, 2013 the APA released the results of its Annual Survey on Stress in America survey (APA, 2013). This online study conducted by Harris interactive, on behalf of the APA, surveyed 2020 Americans 18 years of age and older during a one month period (August 3-31, 2012).
2012 Stress in America Survey Highlights
More than 70% (1424) of the participants surveyed had
previously been diagnosed with a chronic illness, which included but was not
limited to diseases such as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, chronic pain, obesity (See APA, 2013, report
for full list). This is noteworthy as
previous studies have found a connection between stress and physical (e.g. hypertension,
cardiovascular disease) and mental disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety).
Women Report Higher Stress Levels Than Men
The survey found gender differences in the amount of stress reported
by participants (APA, 2013). Women reported higher
stress levels than men, were more likely to report extreme levels of stress
(defined as 8, 9, or 10 on a 10 point scale with 10 being the highest level of stress), and were more
likely to report their stress as increasing.
Exercise and listening to music were the top identified sources of stress management by both and women (APA, 2013). However, about 50% of women as compared to 29% of men were more likely to report engaging in activities labeled as "sedentary" (e.g. reading). Additionally, 27% of women as compared to 22% of men report using eating as a stress management tool.
Further, the survey revealed that men and women view their abilities to manage stress very differently. Thirty-nine percent of men described their stress management as excellent or good as compared to (34%) women. Finally, both men and women report that the leading causes of their stress were money, work and the economy.
Americans Ages 18-47 Report High Stress Levels
The survey also found generational and regional differences
in the report of stress. The Stress
in America survey classified participants into four age
categories: participants ages 18 to 33 were classified as Millennials, participants between the ages of 34 and 47
were classified as Gen Xers, 48 to 66
year olds were classified as Boomers, and, those ages 67 and older were
classified as Mature. Those
individuals in the Millennials and Gen Xers reported the highest levels of
stress and did not believe that they were doing a good job of managing their stress.
Check the full report to see how Americans in your region manage stress.
Talk to a Mental Health Professional About Ways to Manage Stress
Finally, the APA survey found that while Americans reported that it was important to discuss stress management and behavior changes with their healthcare providers, many Americans did not. Specifically, the report states:
Twenty-one percent report that they never talk with their provider about lifestyle or behavior changes that could improve their health, 27 percent never discuss progress they are making toward their lifestyle and behavior goals, 33 percent never discuss ways to manage stress and 38 percent never discuss their mental health (APA, 2013, p. 4).
