HealthDay News — According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), the US presidential election is causing stress for more than half of all American adults.
Overall, 52% of Americans aged 18 and older said the election is a somewhat or very significant source of stress. That included 55% who align with Democrats and 59% with Republicans.
The survey also found that 38% of respondents said political and cultural discussions on social media causes them stress. More than half who use social media said the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, compared with 45% of those who don’t use social media.
Men and women were equally likely to feel stressed by the Trump-Clinton battle, but there were differences between generations.
Only 45% of Generation Xers — those born from 1965 to 1980 — reported election stress, while nearly 6 out of 10 (59%) “Matures” did so, according to the online survey conducted in August. Matures were born pre-1946. In addition, 56% of millennials and half of baby boomers said the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.
APA Survey Reveals 2016 Presidential Election Source of Significant Stress for More Than Half of Americans [press release]. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association; October 13, 2016.