Half of Americans stressed by election

The 2016 US Presidential election is a significant source of stress for over half the Americans with those using social media more likely to be affected, according to a new survey ahead of one of the most adversarial contests in recent history.

Daily coverage of the US presidential election dominates every form of mass media. The survey was conducted online among 3,511 adults aged over 18 living in the US by the American Psychological Association (APA).

About 52 per cent of American adults reported that the 2016 election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress. “We’re seeing that it doesn’t matter whether you’re registered as a Democrat or Republican—US adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election,” said Lynn Bufka, APA’s associate executive director for practice research and policy.

Across party lines, those registered as Democrats (55 per cent) and Republicans (59 per cent) are statistically equally likely to say the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.

“Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration, particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual t hostile or even inflammatory,” said Bufka. In fact, the survey showed that social media appears to affect Americans’ stress levels when it comes to the election and related topics.