Stress
among Americans appears to be down for the first time in five years and
at its lowest point since 2007, according to a survey by the American
Psychological Association. The poll of 1,226 adults 18 and older found
that the nation’s average self-reported stress level in 2011 was 5.2 on a
10-point scale, compared with 6.2 in 2007. The percentage of people
reporting extreme stress dropped from 32% in 2007 to 22% in 2011, and
27% of those who took part in the new survey said their stress had
decreased in the past five years. However, 39% of respondents said their
stress rose in 2011, 44% said it stayed the same, and only 17% said it
dropped. About 75% said money is a concern, two-thirds said they have
work issues, and more than half have relationship or health problems.
Experts say the decline in reported stress is likely due to the fact
that stress has become a normal part of life for Americans and they’ve
adapted to it.
