Your Mind Your Body

For the past week, psychologists writing for this blog have talked about the 2010 Stress in America survey, which provides a glimpse into how different groups experience stress and how demographic variables impact stress, as well as the various coping strategies applied to manage stressors. The survey provides a wealth of information on various groups and factors, and there are several points regarding older adults and stress that should be pointed out.

Older adults reported generally lower levels of stress when compared to other age groups.

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When APA released the results of its 2010 Stress in America Survey, I was especially struck by the differences in women and men regarding stress.

Not only were women more likely than men (28 percent vs 20 percent) to report a great deal of stress, but married women, in particular, reported significantly more stress (63 percent) than single women (41 percent). Married women were also more likely than single women to report crying, irritability and fatigue and to resort to unhealthier ways to manage their stress like overeating.

Filed under: Relationships, Stress, Women | 3 Comments »

The difficult economic times seem to be coming to an end, or so we are being told. Employment is improving for some and people are finding jobs, even if the work isn’t their first choice. While there is security in getting a paycheck, there can also be apprehension if the job is in a new or different environment.

In the recent Stress in America survey, 76 percent of the Baby Booomer Generation (ages 46-64) reported money and job stability as a significant cause of stress. It can be challenging to take on a different role or to do work that you feel you are overqualified to do. And it may be difficult to feel comfortable and satisfied working for a boss who is younger than you.

Filed under: Aging, Resilience, Stress, Work/Life | 3 Comments »