As the landscape of the United States continues to evolve, a significant number of young Americans are expressing serious concerns regarding the country’s future. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), a staggering 63% of adults aged 18 to 34 have contemplated relocating abroad in 2025 due to the current state of the nation. This sentiment is echoed among parents, with over half (53%) admitting to similar thoughts. These findings stem from the APA’s Stress in America 2025 survey, conducted from August 4 to August 24, 2025, involving more than 3,000 adults nearly a year post the 2024 election.
While personal stress levels average around 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, collective anxiety about the future of the nation has reached concerning heights. An overwhelming 75% of adults report feeling more stressed about the country's future than they did previously. Political tensions remain a significant source of this stress, with 76% of adults indicating that the nation’s future is a major source of anxiety. This percentage has remained relatively stable, with a slight decline from 77% before the 2024 election, suggesting that the underlying issues extend beyond mere partisan politics.
When respondents were asked to describe their perception of America today, the results painted a complex picture. “Freedom” was the most commonly chosen descriptor at 41%, closely followed by “corruption” at 38%. Other words that resonated included “opportunity” (37%) and “division” (36%). The feelings of hope (35%) and fear (32%) were nearly equal, indicating a nation grappling with its identity amidst rising societal divides.
Societal division is not just an abstract concern; it is affecting personal lives in tangible ways. A significant 62% of Americans label societal division as a major stressor, contributing to heightened feelings of isolation. Among those who identified division as a significant stressor, a striking 61% reported feelings of isolation, compared to just 43% of those not stressed by this issue. Furthermore, feelings of being left out (57% versus 39%) and lacking companionship (54% versus 44%) were also significantly higher among those stressed by division.
The feelings of isolation extend beyond political stress, as approximately half of all American adults report experiencing signs of loneliness. The survey revealed that 54% of respondents felt isolated from others, while 50% reported feelings of being left out or lacking companionship at least occasionally. Alarmingly, 69% of adults expressed a greater need for emotional support over the past year, a figure that rose from 65% in 2024. This gap between the need for support and its availability is especially pronounced among those stressed by societal division, at 75%.
The psychological toll of societal division often manifests physically. Among those who reported significant stress regarding division, 83% experienced at least one physical symptom of stress in the past month, compared to 66% of those who were not stressed by division. Common complaints included feelings of nervousness or anxiety, fatigue, and headaches. Moreover, this stress has repercussions on daily behavior, with adults experiencing division stress more likely to have lost patience with family (60% versus 49%) or canceled social plans (55% versus 37%).
As the nation grapples with political and social stress, concerns surrounding technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), have surged. Currently, 57% of adults cite AI as a significant source of stress, a notable increase from 49% in 2024. Students are feeling this pressure acutely, with 78% of them expressing stress about AI, nearly double the previous year’s figure. Parents are also increasingly worried, with rising stress levels reported among various age groups of children.
Despite the pervasive worries about national politics, many Americans retain a sense of control over their personal lives. A remarkable 77% of respondents feel they have at least some control over their futures, and 74% believe their personal dreams and goals remain attainable. Furthermore, a significant 84% express confidence in their ability to create a fulfilling life, even if it diverges from previous generations' experiences.
When asked about what gives life meaning, the overwhelming majority of adults pointed to relationships as their primary source of purpose. An impressive 92% cited connections with others as vital, with family (77%), friendships (62%), romantic relationships (47%), and even pets (39%) noted as significant contributors. In contrast, while 69% of employed adults consider their jobs a significant source of stress, only 46% find fulfillment in their work.
As Americans navigate multiple crises—including political division, social isolation, technological disruption, and economic uncertainty—many are left feeling lonely or left out. Despite these challenges, 65% of adults believe they bear personal responsibility for shaping the country's future. Parents feel this duty even more acutely, with 72% affirming their commitment to contribute to national direction. In light of these concerns, the resilience of the American spirit shines through, as most individuals believe they can lead meaningful lives, maintain control over their futures, and enact positive change.
