Women Are Bearing The Brunt of Financial Stress

he 2008 Stress in America Findings indicated that women are more and stressed out over the economy than men. Statistics reported in this post are from the APAPractice.org article

It is not surprising that Americans are experiencing increased stress and physical symptoms over the economy. What was surprising is the fact that women are experiencing more stress than men.

1. 83% of women and 78% of men reported being stressed over money.
2. 84% of women and 75% of men reported being stressed over the economy.
3. 57% of women and 55% of men reported being stressed over job security.
4. 66% of women and 58% of men reported being stressed over housing costs.

The study also looked at women’s ages related to stress.

• Women of the Boomer Age (44 to 62) and Matures (aged 63 and older) were more likely to report the economy as a significant stress.
• Women in general are more worried about money than their health.
• Mature Women are reporting a greater increase (17 points to 87% between April and September of 2008) of stress problems affecting the health of family members.
• Mature Women reported a dramatic increase in concerns regarding the economy (up 18 points to 92% between April and September of 2008).
• Mature Women also reported a dramatic increase in concerns regarding money (up 15 points to 77% between April and September of 2008.
• Generation Xers (age 30 to 43) are most concerned about money (89%).
• Millennials (aged 18 to 29) are most concerned about housing cost (75%).

Women are also reporting more physical symptoms than me.

• 57% of women and 49% of men report fatigue in response to stress.
• 65% of women and 55% of men report irritability in response to stress.
• 56% of women and 36% of men reported headaches in response to stress.
• 56% of women and 39% of men reported feeling sad and depressed in response to stress.
• 56% of women and 40% of men reported unhealthy behaviors to manage stress like eating poorly.
• 25% of women and 11% of men reported shopping to reduce stress.

43% of the people in the study reported overeating or unhealthy eating to reduce stress. In addition, 18% of people in the study reported drinking alcohol and 16% of the people reported smoking to reduce stress.

There is no doubt the economy is stressing out both women and men. Women are reporting more stress and symptoms resulting from stress than men.

The study certainly support America’s need for programs and activities for reducing stress. It is important for women and men to take time out and engage in physical and mental activities that will reduce stress and improve their health.