A divided country agrees: The election is stressing everyone out
Originally published by Katia Riddle for NPR
Every year the American Psychological Association takes a look at the leading causes of stress in the U.S., and publishes an annual report. This year the report shows all the usual suspects like money, health and family are still wearing people down, but one issue is dominating – politics.
Seven out of 10 adults say the future of the nation is a significant source of stress in their lives and the issue crosses party lines: 80% of Republicans rated it a top stressor, so did 79% of Democrats and 73% of Independents. Lynn Bufka, a clinical psychologist and APA’s deputy chief, professional practice, says she was surprised by the findings.
“Republicans, Democrats are actually united in having concern about the future of the nation. And they’re not sure that the country’s system of checks and balances is actually working the way it should be working,” Bufka says. The majority is worried that the election results will lead to political violence.
The report – called Stress in America 2024: A Nation in Political Turmoil — details the results of a survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the APA. More than 3,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older were surveyed between August 1st and 23rd, 2024.
Most adults (54%) say they have little to no trust in the U.S. government, and 41% say the state of the nation has made them consider moving to a different country. And another finding that’s probably adding to the political divide — 46% of respondents say they wouldn’t date someone who didn’t share the same political opinions (47% of women said this, and 45% of men).
A majority of respondents are also concerned about misinformation and disinformation — 82% said they are worried that people are basing their values and opinions on false or inaccurate information.
Bufka says one of the problems is Americans are not seeing the things that matter to them represented in the political discourse. People want to feel safe in their communities, hold jobs that can support their families, and drive on roads without potholes and bridges that don’t collapse, she says.