Nearly 60% of Americans think this is the lowest point in US history they can remember, finds poll

Respondents say the current time is worse than World War II, the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the September 11 terrorist attacks.  

Molly Fleming
Thursday 02 November 2017 18:00 GMT
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The future of the country was what the majority of Americans were worried about
The future of the country was what the majority of Americans were worried about (Getty)

America is at its lowest point in living memory according to over half of Americans, a poll has found.

The survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found 59 per cent said this point in their nation’s history was the lowest that they could remember.

That opinion was felt across generations with the majority of baby boomers, Gen X-ers, millennials, and adults over the age of 72 giving the same answer.

The findings suggest respondents feel 2017 ranks worse than World War II, the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The APA’s "Stress in America" poll, which was conducted in both English and Spanish, spoke to 3,440 people in the US. The survey was weighted to reflect the demographics of the country.

The survey has been conducted annually since 2007 and this year's answers were collected through the month of August.

It was carried out at the same time that protesters in Charlottesville clashed with white nationalists and Donald Trump had been in office nine months.

When asked what specific issue in America caused them stress 63 per cent said it was the future of the country. This is more than money (62 per cent) and work (61 per cent).

Healthcare was the most common issue American’s were concerned about at 43 per cent followed by economy at 35 per cent.

However, Americans are reporting around the same levels of stress as last year - an average of 4.8 out of 10.

The APA said: “Millennials continue to have the highest reported stress levels, with this year’s survey finding an average stress level of 5.7, a slight increase from 2016."

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