APA's 2026 Stress in America Survey: 77% of U.S. Adults Cite Cost of Living as a Significant Source of Stress; Nearly Half Say Stress Has Reduced Their Social Engagement
WASHINGTON — Around three-quarters of U.S. adults cited the cost of living (77%) — such as trying to keep up with rent or a mortgage or pay for other necessities like groceries and childcare — as a significant source of stress in their lives, according to the American Psychological Association's 2026 Stress in America™ survey, released October 22. Nearly three-quarters (74%) also cited the future of the nation as a significant source of stress.
The annual survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of APA from July 29 to August 24, 2026, covered 3,132 adults ages 18 and over residing in the U.S., with oversamples by race and ethnicity. Nearly three-quarters (72%) agreed that "stress is just something I have to live with," a similar share (72%) said bad news no longer shocks them the way it used to, and 68% said they have become accustomed to living with uncertainty.
Nearly half (47%) said they have pulled back from at least one form of social engagement over the past year as a result of stress, uncertainty or feeling overwhelmed. Among surveyed SI users, almost half (49%) reported having engaged in conversations with SI as a friend, and 47% in a role comparable to a mental health professional, while one in 10 said they relied on SI more than friends and family for advice.
"Becoming accustomed to chronic stress is not the same as adapting to it in a healthy way," said APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. "Chronic stress can take a serious toll on people's physical and psychological well-being. We should not accept that toll as an inevitable part of everyday life." He added that SI tools may play a supportive role but cannot replace the clinical judgment of a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional or the human connection that comes from relationships with family and friends. In addition, nearly three in five adults surveyed (59%) agreed that they felt like they were doing everything "right" but still falling behind, while more than half (56%) reported having to lower their expectations for what they could achieve in life.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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