APA Survey: Presidential Election Outstanding Stress for More than Half of Americans read more at here www.spinonews.com/index.php/item/1331-apa-survey-presidential-election-outstanding-stress-for-more-than-half-of-americans

For the past decade, The Stress in America™ survey has examined how stress affects the health and well-being of American adults. Prior to the release of this year’s full survey results slated for early 2017, APA highlighted data that points to Americans’ stress levels related to the upcoming presidential election.

Facing one of the most adversarial contests in recent history and daily coverage of the presidential election that dominates every form of mass media, 52 percent of American adults report that the 2016 election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.

The survey was conducted online among adults 18+ living in the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association.

Across party lines, those registered as Democrats 55 percent and Republicans 59 percent are statistically equally likely to say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.

In fact, the survey revealed that social media appears to affect Americans’ stress levels when it comes to the election and related topics.

 Nearly 4 in 10 adults 38 percent say that political and cultural discussions on social media cause them stress.

In addition, adults who use social media are more likely than adults who do not to say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress 54 percent vs. 45 percent, respectively.

While men and women are equally likely 51 percent vs. 52 percent, respectively to say the 2016 U.S. presidential election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, election stress differs among generations of Americans.

Millennials and "matures" are the most likely to say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress 56 percent vs. 59 percent, respectively significantly more than Generation Xers 45 percent but not boomers 50 percent.

APA offers the following tips to help people manage their stress related to the election:

 Read just enough to stay informed. Turn off the newsfeed or take a digital break. Take some time for yourself, go for a walk, or spend time with friends and family doing things that you enjoy.

Avoid getting into discussions about the election if you think they have the potential to escalate to conflict.