Summary: Stress in America™ 2025: A Crisis of Connection Report and Related National Polls

The American Psychological Association 2025 Stress in America report describes a growing “crisis of connection.” In a survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults, 62% said societal division is a major source of stress, and about half reported feeling lonely. Those stressed by national division are significantly more likely to experience loneliness and related emotional strain. This disconnection is linked with poorer mental and physical health, including anxiety, depression, and physical stress symptoms such as fatigue and headaches.

Key Findings from the APA’s Stress in America 2025: A Crisis of Connection

Societal division is a major source of stress.
62% of U.S. adults say division in the country is a significant stressor in their lives. Political polarization, cultural conflicts, and public discourse are not just frustrating—they are contributing to emotional strain and fatigue for many people.
Loneliness and disconnection are widespread.
About half of adults report feeling emotionally disconnected at least some of the time.
- 54% say they feel isolated from others.
- 50% say they feel left out.
- 50% report lacking companionship.
  These responses suggest that loneliness has become a common experience for many Americans.
Division appears to deepen loneliness.
Adults who say societal division is a major source of stress are significantly more likely to feel isolated.
- 61% of those stressed by division report feeling isolated often or sometimes.
- This compares with 43% among those who do not see division as a major stressor.
  The findings suggest that living in a divided environment can intensify feelings of emotional separation.
Loneliness is linked with declining health and well-being.
People who report high levels of loneliness are more likely to experience chronic health conditions and mental health challenges.
- 80% of adults with high loneliness say they live with chronic illness.
- This compares with roughly two-thirds of adults with moderate or low loneliness.
  Common related conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain.
Stress from societal division also shows up physically.
Among adults who report high stress from national division:
- 83% experienced at least one physical symptom of stress in the past month.
- Common symptoms include nervousness or anxiety (42%), fatigue (40%), and headaches (39%).
  These rates are substantially higher than among people who are not significantly stressed by societal division.
Concern about the country’s future is widespread.
About three-quarters of adults say they are more stressed about the nation’s future than in previous years.
Many also identify the future of the country as a major ongoing stressor.
Younger adults and parents report particularly strong reactions.
Nearly two-thirds of adults ages 18–34 and more than half of parents say they have considered moving to another country due to concerns about the nation’s direction.
New stressors are emerging alongside traditional ones.
Anxiety about misinformation and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has increased significantly.
- 69% report stress about misleading information.
- 57% report stress related to AI, with even greater concern among younger adults and workers.
Despite these pressures, resilience remains strong.
While many adults report obstacles and uncertainty, a large majority still believe they can build meaningful lives and help shape the future of the country.
Hope, agency, and a sense of responsibility continue to coexist alongside stress and division.