Nearly two-thirds of young American adults have contemplated relocating abroad, reflecting their deep unease with the current state of the country. According to data from the American Psychological Association’s 2025 Stress in America survey, 63% of adults aged 18 to 34 and 53% of parents have seriously thought about leaving the United States due to national challenges. This widespread sentiment is not just a reaction to recent political events but stems from ongoing societal stress and division.
The survey, carried out from August 4 to 24, 2025, with over 3,000 participants, reveals a nation grappling with heightened anxiety about its future. About 75% of respondents expressed increased stress over the country’s trajectory compared to previous years. Political tensions remain a dominant stressor, affecting 76% of adults, a figure consistent since before the 2024 election. This stresses that widespread worries run deeper than typical partisan politics.
When describing the current American identity, respondents most frequently used the words “freedom” (41%), closely followed by “corruption” (38%), with “opportunity” (37%) and “division” (36%) also prominent. The effects of societal division are felt personally, with 62% acknowledging it as a significant source of stress. Those stressed by division experience much higher rates of isolation, feeling left out, and lacking companionship compared to those less affected.
Loneliness is a pervasive issue affecting half of American adults. Over 54% said they felt isolated, 50% felt left out, and another 50% reported lacking companionship at times. Emotional support needs are rising; 69% of adults admitted to needing more support in the past year than they received, up from 65% the previous year. Among those burdened by division-related stress, 75% felt their emotional needs were unmet.
Loneliness correlates strongly with chronic health problems—80% of those experiencing severe loneliness live with chronic illnesses like depression, anxiety, or chronic pain, compared to lower percentages among those with less loneliness. Stress from political and societal division also manifests physically, with 83% of those stressed by division reporting symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, or headaches within the past month, compared to 66% among those less stressed.
This pressure spills over into daily life as well, leading to increased impatience, arguments with family, cancellations of social plans, and difficulty making future plans. Despite feelings of division and struggle, Americans have mixed views about progress: two-thirds believe they have more opportunities than past generations, yet nearly as many think their generation has faced sacrifices not previously experienced.
Technological anxiety compounds these worries, especially surrounding artificial intelligence. Currently, 57% of adults cite AI as a stress source—a notable rise from 49% in 2024. Students feel this acutely, with 78% reporting AI-related stress, nearly double from last year. Young adults and parents also report growing anxiety related to AI developments across age groups. Additionally, misinformation is increasingly stressful, cited by 69% of adults, up from 62%.
Other significant sources of worry remain stable: the economy (75%), financial issues (66%), U.S. politics, housing affordability, and mass shootings (each at 65%). Yet, amidst this turmoil, most Americans feel they retain some control over their personal lives, with 77% confident they can influence their futures and 74% believing their dreams remain achievable. An even higher 84% think they can create a fulfilling life, though perhaps differently than previous generations.
Still, 85% identify barriers blocking their goals, and 26% are unsure or pessimistic about achieving what they hope. Those doubting their future prospects suffer intense mental health strains, with 89% reporting stress linked to these concerns.
Meaning and purpose primarily arise from relationships, with 92% naming connections as central to life satisfaction. Family is paramount at 77%, followed by friendships, romantic partnerships, and pets. Health and well-being also rank highly at 59%. Conversely, while 69% of workers find their jobs stressful—the highest since early COVID-19 days—only 46% say work adds meaning to their lives, highlighting a growing dissonance between stress and fulfillment.
Looking ahead, financial security is the top personal goal for 64%, followed by maintaining or improving health (60%), and spending quality time with loved ones (53%). Despite anxieties about America’s future, 65% of adults take personal responsibility for helping shape the nation’s path, a feeling even stronger among parents. Overall, 73% believe they can contribute to steering the country toward a better future.
The survey paints a picture of Americans juggling multiple crises—political division, social isolation, technological anxiety, and economic uncertainty—while yearning for connection and purpose. Though many young people and parents seriously contemplate leaving, a resilient majority still believes in their capacity to build meaningful lives and impact positive change. The question remains how this optimism will endure amidst mounting pressures.
