More than 50 Percent of American Adults Under Stress Due to 2016 Presidential Election

A new survey of the American Psychological Association revealed that more than half of the American finds the current presidential election to be very or somewhat significant source of stress.

The survey, conducted by Harris Poll for the Association, revealed that 52 percent of Americans are under stress due to the presidential elections. The researchers also found that social media might be contributing the increasing stress levels of Americans when it comes to the elections and other related topics.

"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 to hostile or even inflammatory," explained Lynn Bufka, PhD, APA's associate executive director for practice research and policy, in a press release.

Out of the 3,511 participants of the survey, about 38 percent reported being stressed due to the political and cultural discussions in social media. Additionally, adults who reported using social media are more likely to find the presidential election stressful compared to adults who do not use social media, 54 percent and 45 percent respectively.

Furthermore, the stress levels felt by the respondents in response with the election seem to differ across different generation. About 56 percent of Millennials say that the election is very or somewhat stressing. On the other hand, smaller number of baby boomers and Generation Xers find the election stressing, 50 percent and 45 percent respectively.

Due to the alarming numbers of American being stress by the upcoming elections, the Association released some guidelines to help people manage their stress levels. People who are being stressed by the battle of "keyboard warriors" are advised to limit their social media use. Additionally, the Association recommends the avoidance of discussions about the election that could eventually lead to conflicts, which could potentially heighten stress levels. APA noted that the most important thing to remember is to vote in the incoming elections and accept the results because life will go on.