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American's Stress Levels Are Rising

A stress research poll of 1,000 adults of 18 years and older, done in October 2008, revealed that 47% of Americans experience more stress than they did six months ago. And to add to the impact of this online study done by Booth Research, the results showed that the obvious culprits of international unrest in the world, the Iraq war and the 2008 presidential election were not the main reason for this increased stress (each of these stressors each registered only a 2% factor among respondents).

And another surprise was that young people reported a higher degree of stress than middle-aged and mature adults! The age group breakdown showed that 64% of those 18-24 years old revealed their increased levels of stress in the last 6 months. Next, 58% of those 35-44 years old admitted to experiencing increased stress. And finally, the 55 and older group responded with just 23% pointing to increased stress. 

These figures are consistent with data showing a continual slide upwards in levels of stress experienced by Americans across the board. And the figures also show that more Americans are not only more stress, they are also becoming aware of the dangerous effects of stress on one’s physical health. For example, in the Booth survey 85% of those interviewed reported their acceptance of the fact that stress compromises their body’s immune response (the ability to fight off viruses and infections and the capacity to slow down the effects of aging).

In the realm of obtaining healthy sleep, 55% indicated that stress was diminishing their ability to sleep well. And 32% stated that stress was affecting their personal relationships.  
When asked what methods of coping with stress were being used, the practice of exercising was at the number one stress relief method, followed by 28% using meditation and breathing techniques. While 25% mentioned going on a vacation, most also acknowledged that vacations could also quickly become a bringer of stress, both emotionally and financially.

Just last year in October 2007, the American Psychological Association released a national survey showing that one-third of Americans are under extreme stress, and almost 50% declared that their stress levels have increased over the last five years. As our world becomes more competitive and more complex, stress levels will continue to rise, not decrease. And the only reasonable path for people is to learn stress relief strategies and lifestyle changes.

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Sources: A Survey of Job Satisfaction, Sources of Stress and Psychological Symptoms Among General Practitioners in Leeds British Journal of General Practice 1998 March; 48(428): 1059–1063

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