A new report from the American Psychological Association, Stress in America 2026, suggests that ongoing stress is commonplace for most Americans. What is causing this increased stress?
All signs point to uncertainty as the key factor. Americans are concerned with the rising costs of goods and services due to ongoing inflation. In this research, 77 percent of American adults agreed that the daily cost of living was the most significant source of life stress.
Other causes of stress include global uncertainty at the economic, environmental, and political level and the ongoing political infighting that rages across the country. A large majority (74 percent) said they were concerned about the “future of the nation.” Not only is this uncertainty-caused stress being experienced during waking hours, but a majority of adults (60 percent) said that stress has affected their sleep, and that it has affected their optimism about the future (59 percent). Importantly, majorities of Americans report that stress has affected both their mental and physical health.
As these stress levels rise, interestingly, many Americans are reporting that it is becoming the “new normal.” Seventy-two percent of Americans say that “stress is something I have to live with,” and “bad news no longer shocks me the way it used to.” In other words, people seem to say they are becoming accustomed to living in this uncertain, stress-filled world. Of course, with the reported impact of these stressors on mental and physical well-being, it may be the case that Americans are simply engaging in rationalization, a very common psychological coping response, but one that may not, in the long run, be very effective in reducing the impact of stress.
Given the diversity of the U.S. population, there are important demographic differences in the survey responses. For example, younger adults (aged 18 to 29) were more likely than older adults to report stress was affecting their motivation, productivity, and sense of optimism for the future. Caregivers, especially those who are in the “sandwich generation” of having to care for both parents and children, report particularly high levels of stress, with concerns about health care issues and finances being prominent. Marginalized individuals, particularly members of the LGBTQ community, are being stressed by the sense of uncertainty caused by today’s supercharged political climate.
There are some even more alarming results from this recent report. Nearly half of adults (47 percent) reported that stress has caused them to pull back from social participation. They are less likely to attend social gatherings, community activities, and hobbies. This withdrawal from possible sources of social support (an important strategy for coping with stress) is concerning. Moreover, a good portion of adults are instead turning to AI for connections, turning to chatbot “friends” and seeking out AI to provide mental health advice and guidance.
What does the report recommend to help deal with increased stress?
- Making meaningful social connections with friends, family members, and community groups
- Practicing healthy living (proper nutrition, sleep, and mindfulness)
- Changing your thinking from a sense of helplessness to focusing on what you can do to help deal with everyday stressors
- Setting realistic, positive goals and finding a purpose in life, including helping others and volunteering in your local communities
