5.6
Average level of stress in January 2021, compared with 5.4 in April–May 2020, 5.2 in May–June 2020, and 5.0 in August 2020. Stress was measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest level.
81%
Percentage of U.S. adults who cited the future of the nation as a significant source of stress, compared with 80% who cited the coronavirus pandemic, 74% who cited political unrest around the nation, 72% who cited the current political climate, and 66% who cited the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol.
90%
Overall percentage of Americans who say they hope that the United States moves toward unity, with 92% of Democrats, 91% of Republicans, and 88% of independents holding that view. In a related vein, 70% of Americans said the current social divisiveness in the country causes them stress, while 84% agreed that the United States has serious societal issues it needs to address.
84%
Percentage of Americans who reported feeling stress-based emotions in the two weeks before the survey was conducted. The most common emotions included anxiety (47%), sadness (44%), and anger (39%).
For more on APA’s Stress in America surveys, visit APA Press Releases.
